Our
soil is host to a number of mineral resources that can
be commercially exploited. There are both the metallic
and non - metallic minerals which have been fairly distributed
across the various local government areas of the state.
A number of studies have been undertaken by the Federal
Government owned Raw Materials Research and Development
Council, RMRDC, on their uses and application. These studies
are readily available to investors.
Akwa
Ibom State is set for the orderly and ecologically sound
exploitation of these minerals in partnership with the
private sector.
Metallic
Minerals:
The state has proven deposits of gold and silver nitrate.
These are precious metals useful in the production of
jewelry.
Non
- Metallic Minerals:
The non - metallic minerals found in the state are:
Clay:
Hydrated alumino - silicate that is found in Eket, Etinan,
Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene, Ini, Itu, Onna, Oruk Anam and
Nsit Ubium local government areas. Kaolinitic clay deposits
are found in Itu and Ikot Ekpene. This can be processed
directly into kaolin . Ordinary clay is useful in the
building /construction sector where it can be employed
in the manufacture of bricks and tiles and in the ceramic
and pottery industries.
Kaolin
can be processed into calamine lotion for babies and is
used in the production of porcelain and China wares and
a number of finished and semi - finished products. Kaolin
finds direct application in the paper, paint, rubber,
plastics and ceramic industries.
Silica
Sand: Glass sand occurs extensively in Akwa Ibom State
beaches, coastal plains, river beds and some sandstone
units. High grade silica and beach sand are abundant in
Eket, Itu, Oron, and Uquo Ibeno local government areas
as well as Mbo, Ikot Ekpene, Abak and Etinan. The glass
sand are useful for the manufacture of a number of glass
products including glass bottles, glass sheets, drinking
glasses, mirror, optical and laboratory glasses and lenses.
Also, as construction materials, silica sand can be used
in moulding cement and production of concrete. It is also
used in foundary, abrasive, and oil and gas industries.
Limestone:
Limestone is impure calcium carbonate. Large deposit can
be found in Ikono and further geological survey are likely
to produce other finds. Limestone is important in the
building and construction industry and is used in the
manufacture of cement, hydrated lime, calcium carbide
for welding and Plaster of Paris.
Gravel:
There are abundant deposit of gravel in Ikono, Itu, Ini
and Oron. Quarrying is a key area to consider to supply
gravel and other construction and building materials to
the construction sector.
Salt Commercial deposits of salt exist in the state
and can be processed into table salt, sodium carbonate,
sodium hydroxide and industrial chemicals. Primary uses
are in flavouring, food preservation and skin tanning.
Coal:
Akwa Ibom lies within the coal producing belt in Nigeria.
The product exist here in sufficient commercial quantity
to support viable mining for local use and for export.
