By Abdullahi B
The Zamfara State Coordinating Office of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has convened a high-level stakeholders’ forum on gold value chain development, bringing together policymakers, investors, academics, mining associations, and community representatives to chart a sustainable pathway for gold industrialization in the state.
The one-day forum focused on value addition, responsible mining, regulatory compliance, and the establishment of modern processing infrastructure, including plans for a gold refinery.
In his welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industries, Alhaji Abdul Rahman Tunbido, reaffirmed the Zamfara State Government’s commitment to economic diversification through the structured development of the solid minerals sector. He noted that gold holds immense potential for industrial growth, job creation, and increased internally generated revenue.
He emphasized that achieving sustainable transformation would require capacity building, innovation, and the deployment of modern technologies across all stages of the value chain, from exploration and extraction to refining and marketing.
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Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of RMRDC Prof Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, represented by an Deputy Director, Alhaji Ibrahim Abba underscored the need for Nigeria to move beyond the export of raw or semi-processed minerals. He observed that despite Zamfara’s rich gold deposits, limited value addition and inadequate industrial processing facilities have continued to restrict economic returns.
He reiterated RMRDC’s statutory mandate to promote the optimal utilization of Nigeria’s raw materials through research-driven industrialization, policy advocacy, and strengthened linkages between research institutions and industry.
The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Alhaji Rilwanu Musa, stressed the importance of regulatory compliance in ensuring responsible mining and environmental sustainability. He disclosed ongoing efforts to establish public-private partnerships aimed at setting up a gold refinery in the state, alongside improvements in coal and other mineral value chains.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, the administration reaffirmed its commitment to aligning mining operations with global standards. The message highlighted initiatives such as structured licensing systems, responsible sourcing, environmental remediation programmes, and enhanced support services across the mining value chain.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Gusau, Dr. Aminu Lawal emphasized the critical role of research institutions in mineral exploration, processing technologies, and environmental management. He also disclosed the presence of lithium deposits in Zamfara State, pointing to broader opportunities for mineral diversification.
The President of the Zamfara Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ZACCIMA), Alhaji Muktar Garba, called for stronger private sector participation and sustainable mining practices, while the Chairman of the Gold Sellers Association, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, advocated the formalization of artisanal mining and the establishment of structured gold trading systems.
The forum featured technical presentations highlighting modernization and compliance within the mining sector. In one presentation, Dr. Yahaya Alhassan outlined the various stages of the gold value chain, from exploration to value addition, stressing that exporting raw gold deprives the country of revenue, employment, and technological advancement. He called for the establishment of modern refining facilities to strengthen both backward and forward linkages.
In a separate presentation on mining by-laws, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba Danbaba emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance, environmental protection, licensing, health and safety standards, and responsible community engagement. He noted that adherence to established regulations would promote sustainable practices and boost government revenue.
In his vote of thanks, the Zamfara State Coordinator of RMRDC expressed appreciation to participants for their active engagement and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting value addition and industrial growth in the gold sector.
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to collaborate in building a secure, environmentally compliant, and economically viable mining industry in Zamfara State. Participants expressed optimism that the deliberations would translate into actionable outcomes capable of transforming the state’s gold resources into sustainable industrial and economic prosperity.
