Anioma is richly endowed with a variety of solid minerals that hold enormous economic potential. Across the region’s nine local government areas, deposits of kaolin, silica sand, clay, limestone, laterite, and granite have been identified and partially exploited. Notably, limestone and kaolin are present in commercial quantities in areas such as Ogwashi-Uku, Ubulu-Uku, and parts of Ika and Ndokwa. These resources are critical for the production of cement, ceramics, paints, and paper, making Anioma strategically important for industries reliant on mineral inputs. Sand mining is particularly active in riverine communities like Aboh and Okpai, where quality sharp sand is excavated for construction use within and beyond Delta State. In addition, granite and laterite deposits have continued to support local construction projects and road development initiatives.
Some of the key mineral resources found in Anioma land in commercial quantity include:
- Crude Oil: Delta State has an estimated crude oil reserve of about 900 million cubic meters with Delta North playing a major contributory role in the production progressive curve.
- Natural Gas: The state also has significant natural gas reserves where Delta North plays a significant role in the huge production of Liquefied Natural Gas.
- Lignite: A type of coal, lignite is found in Aniocha North. It is used for electricity and heat generation due to its low carbon content. It is also used for agricultural processes and construction.
- Kaolin: A versatile mineral used in ceramics, paper, and pharmaceuticals, found in Aniocha North and Ika South.
- Limestone: Used in construction and cement production, found in Ogboshi and Atakpo river valleys in Ibusa and Okpanam. It is also found in the Isho valley in Ogwashi-Uku and Ago-Uku stream in Ubulu-Uku.
- Bitumen: A valuable resource for road construction and other industrial applications, found in Delta North.
- Silica Sand: Used in glassmaking and other industrial processes. Found in Ubulu-Uku, Agbor, Umunede, and Issele-Uku in Anioma land, and as alluvial sands along the River Niger.
- Industrial Clay: Supports ceramics and construction industries. Found in Oza Nogogo in Ika South Local Government Area; Asaba (along the Mgbiligba stream); Ibusa (along the Oboshi and Atakpo River Valleys); Okpanam (along the Atakpo River Valley); Ubulu-Uku (Isho valley and along the Ago-Uku stream); Obomkpa (along the Nnem-Agadi stream).
- Gypsum: Used in cement, plaster, and agricultural applications, found in Delta North.
The main coal mining activity is centered in the Aniocha North Local Government Area, which includes communities like Ukwu-Nzu, Obomkpa, Ugboba, and Ugbodu. The main operator is Mosra Enerji Limited, the primary company involved in exploring and developing these resources.