Firms sign joint agreement to establish smelting plant refinery in jos
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Firms Sign Joint Agreement to Establish Smelting Plant Refinery in Jos
Jos, Nigeria - In a significant development for the country's mining and industrial sectors, two firms have signed a joint agreement to establish a smelting plant refinery in Jos, the capital of Plateau State.
The agreement was signed between Plateau State Government and a consortium of two companies, Jos Mining and Refining Limited and Nigerian Mining and Refining Company Limited, at a ceremony held at the Government House in Jos.
The smelting plant refinery, which is expected to be completed within the next 24 months, will have a capacity to process 100,000 metric tons of ore per annum, making it one of the largest of its kind in the country.
According to the agreement, the refinery will be located in the Jos Mining and Refining Limited's existing facility, which is situated on a 100-hectare land in the Jos Industrial Estate.
The project is expected to create over 500 direct and indirect jobs for the people of Plateau State and generate significant revenue for the state government.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, commended the two companies for their commitment to investing in the state's mining sector.
"This project is a major boost to our efforts to diversify the state's economy and create jobs for our people," the Governor said. "We are confident that the smelting plant refinery will not only create wealth for the state but also contribute to the growth of the national economy."
The Managing Director of Jos Mining and Refining Limited, Mr. John Okoro, said that the company was excited to partner with Nigerian Mining and Refining Company Limited to establish the smelting plant refinery.
"This project is a major milestone for our company and we are committed to working with the state government to ensure its successful completion," Mr. Okoro said.
The smelting plant refinery is expected to process a range of minerals, including gold, copper, zinc, and lead, and produce high-quality refined metals for both local and international markets.
The project is expected to be funded through a combination of equity and debt financing, with the state government providing support through tax incentives and other forms of assistance.
The signing of the agreement is seen as a major step forward for the mining sector in Plateau State, which has the potential to become a major player in the country's mining industry.