By Abubakar Mikailu, Lukman Isah and Abdulwahab Nuhu
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has identified the Birnin Yero Heavy Mineral Sand Processing Cluster in Kaduna State as an emerging centre for mineral processing capable of boosting Nigeria’s industrial growth and export earnings through local value addition.
The Council made this known during an industrial assessment visit to the cluster located along the Kaduna-Zaria Expressway as part of efforts to promote the processing of Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources into higher-value industrial products.
The assessment, carried out by the Kaduna State Coordinating Office of the Council on June 29, 2026, aligns with RMRDC’s mandate of encouraging the development, processing and commercial utilisation of local raw materials to support industrialisation and economic diversification.
The delegation was led by the Kaduna State Coordinator, Mr. Mutallab J.S., and included technical officers of the Council who inspected processing facilities operated by Umar Business Ventures and Bappayi Mining Company.
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The facilities process heavy mineral sands sourced from Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Kogi, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory, making the cluster an important player in Nigeria’s growing solid minerals industry.
During the visit, the team observed the use of modern mineral processing equipment for separating and upgrading valuable minerals from the sand deposits. The technologies are used in recovering minerals such as ilmenite, monazite, zircon, mica, iron concentrate and high-quality silica sand.
According to the Council, the processed minerals supply local industries while also serving export markets, thereby contributing to foreign exchange earnings and reducing dependence on the export of unprocessed minerals.
The assessment also revealed the economic impact of the cluster on the host community. Each processing facility provides employment for between seven and 10 permanent workers, in addition to several temporary staff engaged in various operational activities.
RMRDC officials said the visit provided an opportunity to document the minerals being processed, assess the efficiency of the technologies in use, gather production data and strengthen collaboration with operators for future technical support and capacity-building initiatives.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting indigenous mineral processors through research, technology transfer and strategic partnerships aimed at improving productivity and encouraging local value addition.
It noted that the Birnin Yero cluster represents a practical example of Nigeria’s efforts to move from the export of raw minerals to the production of higher-value products that can support local industries, create jobs and increase export opportunities.
While acknowledging challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance and the need for more advanced processing equipment, the Council expressed confidence that sustained government support and increased private sector investment would enable the cluster to develop into a major mineral processing hub in the country.
