Bauchi, Chinese Firm Launch Multi-Billion Naira Mining Venture in Dass

From Paul Orude Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, on Saturday performed the official groundbreaking and launching ceremony of the Bauchi–Minsheng Corporation Company (BMCC) Nigeria Limited in Dass Local Government Area of the state.

The event was attended by the Emir of Dass, His Royal Highness Bilyaminu Othman, and newly appointed Emir of Lere, HRH Yakubu Lere and members of the Bauchi State Executive, State Assembly, Chinese Partners among other dignitaries.

In a welcome address, the Chairman of Dass LGA Muhammad Jibo expressed optimism that the development would bring development to the area, and commended the governor for his foresight.

In his opening remark, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Natural Resources, Muhammad Maidawa Bello noted that the ground breaking and launch of the mining company was a testimony of the governor’s transformative agenda and vision.

Speaking during the event, Governor Mohammed said the launch of the mining company underscored his administration’s vision of developing the state’s solid minerals sector through a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) with reputable investors.

“Mineral resources have, over the years, proven to be major drivers of economic transformation, industrial growth, and development,” he said.

Represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, the governor explained that his administration has initiated key reforms to create an enabling environment that attracts foreign direct investment into the state’s solid minerals sector.

“This will unlock its potential for sustainable growth in alignment with the government’s broader economic diversification agenda,” he stated.

Governor Mohammed disclosed that the idea behind BMCC Nigeria Limited originated from the state’s partnership with the Shandong Minsheng Group in China.

“This relationship led to the signing of a strategic cooperation framework between the Bauchi State Government and BMCC Nigeria Limited on the mining project in September 2023,” he said.

He added that a series of field visits by BMCC led to the technical confirmation of huge mineral deposits in commercial quantities in Toro and Dass LGAs.

“Consequently, BMCC Nigeria Limited was formally registered under Nigerian law, with equity provided by the Shandong Minsheng Group, Michel, and the Bauchi State Government,” he added.

According to the governor, the joint venture demonstrates his renewed commitment to transforming the state’s solid minerals industry through enhanced value addition. He said the initiative aims to grow the state’s economy and create jobs for citizens, among other macroeconomic benefits.

He assured that the partnership will also provide opportunities for technology transfer and capacity building for Nigerian professionals, including geologists and technical staff.

“Since the formation of this company, we have made appreciable progress toward commencing full-scale cooperation in four areas: exploration, mining, processing, and international mineral trading,” he noted.

He also highlighted the recruitment of indigenous geologists and semi-skilled workers, deployment of machinery and equipment, and the arrival of technical experts from China.

“We are committed to creating an enabling environment and providing infrastructure and social amenities that will support our investors,” he said. “We have issued two exploration licences and one small-scale mining licence, with more underway.”

The governor added that the state has provided the required land and ensured the safety of all partners throughout the project’s development.

“We will continue to fulfill our promises until our objectives are fully achieved,” he assured.

He commended the management of BMCC Nigeria Limited and the Ministry of Natural Resources for their dedication to the project and their commitment to providing additional funding.

Chairman of Shandong Minsheng Group, Mr. Yu Tao, said the project was one of the outcomes of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China in 2024, where both countries explored avenues for strengthening bilateral trade and investment.

“The idea was welcomed by Nigerian investors, after which Chinese experts visited Nigeria to take samples. Bauchi emerged as one of the states with rich mineral deposits,” Tao said.

He noted that after extensive surveys, BMCC Nigeria Limited was established and Dass LGA was selected because of its abundant mineral resources.

Tao also said Bauchi State has vast agricultural potential that can be harnessed for maximum economic benefits. He assured that the collaboration between Shandong Minsheng Group and BMCC Nigeria Limited will bring massive development and job opportunities to the state.

He expressed appreciation to both the Federal Government and the Bauchi State Government for supporting the project, noting that the partnership would increase revenue generation for the state and Dass LGA.

Tao further assured that the operating environment has been well secured to promote progress and that China remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s growth and development.