The Benue State Government has confirmed the discovery of rich deposits of gold and aluminium in Kwande Local Government Area and several riverine communities across the state.

The revelation was made by the state’s Director of Solid Minerals, Anselm Nege, during a media briefing in Makurdi, where he described the discovery as a major breakthrough in Benue’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond agriculture and federal allocations.

According to Nege, geological surveys and early field studies confirmed that substantial deposits of gold were found in Kwande, while aluminium reserves were identified in riverine areas of the state. He said the findings had been verified by technical experts and that the government was putting measures in place to ensure responsible exploration.

“We have confirmed gold in Kwande and aluminium in the riverine areas of Benue. These discoveries are significant, and we are committed to managing the process responsibly to avoid economic exploitation or environmental degradation,” Nege stated.

He explained that the discoveries could open new frontiers for economic growth, industrial investment, and employment opportunities if handled in line with modern mining standards. 

The state government, he added, was already working to attract credible investors while ensuring that local communities benefit from the natural resources.

However, Nege warned that unregulated or illegal mining would not be tolerated. He said the state would strengthen surveillance in mining zones and collaborate with security agencies to prevent the infiltration of illegal miners, who have previously caused environmental and security challenges in parts of Benue.

Governor Hyacinth Alia has also reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that mineral exploration in the state adheres strictly to environmental safety and transparency. 

The governor recently barred traditional rulers from issuing mining permissions to private operators without prior approval from the state government.

Experts believe the discovery of gold and aluminium could boost Benue’s internally generated revenue and place the state on Nigeria’s growing list of mineral-producing regions. Still, they warn that without proper regulation, the development could lead to community conflict and environmental degradation, similar to what has been experienced in other mineral-rich parts of the country.

For now, the Benue State Ministry of Solid Minerals says it will conduct further geological assessments to determine the scale of the deposits before issuing any mining licenses.

The confirmation of the mineral deposits marks a new chapter in Benue’s economic outlook, with hopes high that sustainable exploration could turn the state into a key player in Nigeria’s emerging solid minerals sector.