Yobe State is sitting on vast, underutilised mineral deposits, with silica sand alone exceeding 3 million tons, according to Dr. Aliyu Isah Chikaji, the DG of YAPPPIP.
“Yobe State is rich in minerals like quartz, kaolin, granite, iron ore, feldspar, limestone, clay, potash, natural salt, magnetite, diatomite, mica, silica sand, gypsum, and uranium,” he said in an interview with Nigerian Mining. “For example, Yobe has over 3 million tonnes of silica sand, enough to support decades of production at current rates.”
Silica sand is a versatile material with a wide range of uses, primarily due to its high silica content and unique properties. It’s used in construction, glass manufacturing, metal casting, water filtration, and as an abrasive, among other applications.
Despite the abundance, much of the mining sector remains in early development stages. “While these minerals are confirmed to exist in large quantities across all 17 local government areas, detailed figures on how much of each is currently being mined are not publicly available,” Chikaji stated.
On illegal mining, the state is taking decisive steps to enforce order. “To tackle illegal mining, Yobe is engaging with mining firms, improving regulatory compliance, and using security personnel and surveillance technology to monitor and protect mining sites.”
He added: “Yobe State promises to provide secure mining sites for investors. This includes measures like on-site security personnel, patrols, access controls, and surveillance technology.”
The state is also working to balance its resource extraction with environmental protection. “Yobe State recognises the need to protect the environment from the negative effects of mining, such as land erosion and water pollution.”
Regarding sensitive areas like uranium zones, Chikaji explained, “There’s an understanding in Yobe that mining must be balanced with protecting the local ecosystem…detailed strategies for achieving this balance is being worked on.”
Chikaji also noted Yobe’s goal of becoming a mineral export hub. “Yobe wants to become a key exporter of minerals by improving infrastructure like roads and processing plants, and by attracting export-focused investments.”
Collaborations with federal agencies and the deployment of modern technologies such as geospatial mapping and AI are part of the broader strategy for sustainable mineral development. “The state adopted the use of advanced technologies like geospatial mapping or AI in mineral exploration and as the sector grows, more tools will be adopted to improve accuracy and efficiency,” he said.
With an estimate of over 3 million tons, Yobe State deposits potentially support a long-term annual production of 60,000 tons. Silica sand, also known as quartz sand or white sand, is primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and is used in various industries.