In an effort to industrialize the state, Zamfara state government has concluded arrangement to invest NGN 55 million to establish an iron ore smelting company. When completed, the state will realize about NGN 16 billion as revenue within the first 9 months of its establishment.

Governor Mr Mahmoud Aliyu Shinkafi made this revelation while inaugurating Zamfara state Minerals Resources & Environmental Management Committee, held at the council chamber.

He stated that recent discovery of iron ore deposit in the state which according to him, is far greater than that of Ajaokuta in terms of both quantity and quality, informed the state government decision to consider the investment.

He said that Zamfara is endowed with mineral deposits such as tantalite, zinc, copper, gold, iron ore, manganese among others, regretting however that mining activities in the state is at low ebb and has cost the state a lot of revenue.

He, however, extolled the virtues of the federal government for providing the enabling environment of affected communities to play active role in the mining sector for the over roll development of Nigerian economy.