Sixteen investors from places such as United States, Canada, China, South Africa and Nigeria have submitted expressions of interest for bitumen blocks in the country, This Day reports.

Deziani Alison-Madueke, minister of mines and steel development said the next stage of the bidding process would be the evaluation of documents during which credible ones will be selected. The selected bidders would then be invited to formally submit their bids for the blocks. The entire bidding process should be completed by the end of the year.

Three bitumen blocks have been created – Block A, B and C. Block A is around 4,170 km², Block C is approximately 3,707 km² while Block B will be put forward at a later date.

The minister added that many jobs would be created once mining activities in the bitumen blocks commence.

Bitumen is primarily used for paving roads. Its other uses are for bituminous waterproofing products, including the use of bitumen in the production of roofing felt and for sealing flat roofs.