The Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development is collaborating with Oyo to conduct an airborne geophysical survey of mineral resources in the state.

Director of Geophysics Department, Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Kaka Imam, announced the plan in Ibadan on ehalf of the minister of Mines and Steel Development,

He urged residents not to panic or become apprehensive when they hear loud noise emitted by the survey aircraft which would fly at low altitudes and in abnormal movement.

Mr Imam explained that public awareness became necessary to forestall misinformation that might cause undue tension in some communities, particularly in the face of current insecurity across the country.

He said it was necessary to penetrate Oyo and gather geological information that may lead to mineral discoveries despite its difficult terrain.

Mr Imam said the exercise would be carried out in Akinyele, Lagelu, Egbeda, Ona-Ara, Ogbomosho North, Ogbomosho South, Ogo Oluwa, Surulere and Orire LGAs, among others.

He explained that the exercise would entail the use of the latest survey sensors to generate magnetic and radiometric data that would help in potential areas and zones of mineralisation.

Mr Imam further explained that a passive technique would be used in the process that would not involve sending out signals into the ground and therefore remained a very safe aerial survey.

Also, the Director-General, Oyo State Mineral Development Agency, Dimeji Ladapo, assured that the exercise would pose no hazard to residents. 

He stressed that the effort would in the long run expand the state’s economy and boost its internally-generated revenue.

The exercise would also hold in 18 other states of the federation for one year beginning from December.(NAN)