Ondo State Government has declared that plansre in top gear to begin bitumen exploitation in the state.

The State Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Prof. Bayonle Ademodi made this known yesterday in Akure, while fielding questions from Journalists shortly after interactive session with Licensee Bitumen companies operating in the state.

According to him, it is now very clear that the companies are very committed to begin operations soon.

“Getting to the level of operation is demanding, and they are getting there, we are happy about the development, and I am sure the Governor of the state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu will be happy.

“I can assure you that in two years time, the state will be on the world map in terms of bitumen exploitation.The present government has placed the project in the front burner since inception”, he stated.

The commissioner who maintained that the ministry has prepared the ground for the successful development of the project, affirmed that the state had held series of meetings with the host communities with the assurance to ensure smooth operations.

Representative of one of the Companies, The Project Director of Kebara Mining Company, Mr Anet Wiener while speaking at the interactive session, said his company is ready to spend 80 million dollars on bitumen development in the state.

He informed that his company is now at the stage of getting minning lease to start exploiting the bitumen this year.

The Director added that his company has developed new technology with different equipment to ensure friendly environment during operation.