Preliminary results of a survey conducted in Katsina State indicates the presence of a large quantity of diamonds in the state.

The government hopes the final report on the survey will support these findings.

Katsina also has clay mineral deposits that a Nigerian company is keen to exploit, although inadequate supply of power is a drawback.

Nigeria is opening up the solid mineral sector to private investors and is collaborating with the World Bank on a programme that will facilitate funding for mining investors.

Katsina State has about 18 solid mineral types, including kaolin, silica, gold, clay and diamonds.

‘We have large deposit of kaolin and it is a very good component that serves as a filler for the production of organic and chemical fertiliser,’ says the state governor Ibrahim Shema.

West Africa is touted to be one of the world's fastest growth regions for gold production over the next four years, with output seen rising 30%, according to a study by GFMS, a metals consultancy.