The Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Dr Fidel Ayogu, made the call when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Thursday.

“The state is ready to partner with stakeholders in the exploration of its mineral resources by providing enabling environment.

“The state will immediate provide infrastructures for genuine investors that are willing to commence operation without delay,’’ Ayogu said.

He explained that Enugu State is endowed with more than 40 important mineral resources.

“Chief among these solid minerals, is coal, zinc, lead, iron, columbite, among others.

“If these minerals are harnessed, they will enhance the state’s share of the Federal Allocation as well as open job and economic opportunities for the residents of the state,’’ he said.

The commissioner, however, decried a situation where some companies would hold on to mining licences and leases for over five years without making any attempt to start exploration on site.