Amanze Chinonye
Benue State has confirmed the presence of commercially significant gold deposits in Kwande Local Government Area and aluminium deposits across several riverine communities, marking what officials say could become a major turning point in the state’s economic diversification drive.
The development, earlier reported by The Guardian, comes as states increasingly explore solid minerals as alternative revenue sources amid declining federal allocations.
Director of Solid Minerals, Anselm Nege, said updated geological assessments validate years of preliminary indications that Benue holds valuable mineral reserves capable of transforming its revenue profile.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“These discoveries are positive indicators of Benue’s mineral potential and will elevate the state’s profile in Nigeria’s solid minerals landscape,” he said.
Nege noted that while artisanal mining is already ongoing in parts of Kwande and the riverine zones, many operators remain unlicensed and unorganised, leading to significant economic leakages and environmental exposure.
“Mining activities in these areas are ongoing, but many remain unorganised and, in some cases, illegal. We are monitoring these activities to ensure proper regulation and mitigate economic and environmental risks,” he added.
Economic Opportunity Meets Security Risk
The confirmation of commercially relevant minerals has sparked mixed reactions locally, with excitement about potential economic gains running alongside concerns that the new interest could exacerbate security tensions.
Several communities in Kwande and riverine belts have experienced recurring violent attacks, including assaults attributed to armed herdsmen targeting farming settlements.
Analysts warn that news of mineral wealth particularly gold could increase pressure on contested rural territories, attract illegal miners, or deepen existing land-based conflicts, Prime Business Africa reports.
State officials have not linked the mineral sites to recent violence, but security agencies are reportedly reviewing surveillance plans for the affected corridors to prevent criminal infiltration or resource-related clashes.
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BIPC Targets Investors, Value-Addition and Local Jobs
The Benue Investment and Property Company Ltd (BIPC) says the discoveries present a strategic opportunity to build a structured mineral value chain from extraction to processing and manufacturing capable of generating jobs, industrial activity, and internally generated revenue (IGR).
Chief Risk Officer, Andrew Simon Mbaiorga, said establishing a regulated mining environment is critical to ensuring the deposits become a sustainable economic asset rather than a trigger for instability.
“If this is done properly, in a constructive way, and with the right investors on the ground, this can become a strong, sustainable initiative and eventually lead to formal commercial rights and recognition,” he said.
Mbaiorga disclosed that the state has already created a regulatory board to coordinate operations, formalise indigenous mining activities, enforce standards, and attract credible investors capable of setting up processing plants within the state.
“These industries will not only generate internally generated revenue through the sale of gold; they will also create jobs and improve the livelihoods of people in the affected communities,” he added.
Balancing Revenue Ambitions With Stability
Experts note that while mineral discoveries often bring economic optimism, they can also heighten tensions in regions with unresolved communal disputes, land contestations, or weak regulatory enforcement. Benue’s challenge will be to leverage the new mineral interest to attract legitimate investors while preventing opportunistic actors from exploiting security gaps.
The state is expected to release new guidelines on licensing, investor engagement, and environmental compliance.
Officials have not yet disclosed the size or commercial grade of the deposits, but insist the findings lay the groundwork for a new revenue pillar if development is handled with strong governance and sustained security measures.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
