Natural Resources
Akwa Ibom State has large deposits of a number of mineral resources that can be commercially exploited. Both metallic and non-metallic minerals are fairly distributed across the various local government areas of the state. A number of studies have been undertaken by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) on their uses and application. These studies are readily available to investors.
The 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 jewellery.
Non-Metallic Minerals
Non-metallic minerals found in the state are:
Clay: Hydrated alumino-silicate 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 construction sector where it can be employed in the manufacturing 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 is useful for the manufacturing of a number of glass products including glass bottles, glass sheets, drinking glasses, mirrors, as well as optical and laboratory glasses and lenses. Silica sand can be used in moulding cement and in the production of concrete. It is also used in foundary, abrasive, and oil and gas industries.
Limestone: Large deposits of limestone can be found in Ikono and further geological surveys are likely to produce other finds. Limestone is important in the building and construction industry and is used in the manufacturing of cement, hydrated lime and calcium carbide for welding.
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.
Coal: Akwa Ibom lies within the coal producing belt in Nigeria. Coal exists here in sufficient commercial quantities to support viable mining for local use and for export.
Crude Oil and Gas
There are large deposits of oil and gas both on and off-shore. Plus other mineral resources such as limestone, clay, gold, salt, coal, silver nitrate and glass sand.
Crude oil in the Niger Delta was first discovered at Ikot Akata in what is now Akwa lbom State during the early fifties following exploration for petroleum which began in Nigeria in 1937. Commercial discovery was, however, made at Olobiri in what is now Bayelsa State, with production beginning in 1958. In Akwa lbom, offshore production of crude oil, condensate and gas by Mobil Petroleum Nigeria Limited, now Exxon/Mobil, has rendered the state the largest petroleum producer in Nigeria. The Qua lboe Terminal (QIT) on the Akwa lbom coast is one of the largest production facilities in the Niger Delta.
Other oil-producing companies operating offshore in Akwa lbom State are Elf and Addax.