By Danjuma Suleiman W.
As part of effort towards the development of the Nation’s industrial solid minerals sector, as sources of raw material supply to critical industries in the country, in line with the Council’s mandate, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has entered into partnership with Nasarawa State Government through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources on the Development and Training of Artisanal Miners on cutting and polishing of gemstone/marble across 3 senatorial districts.
Speaking while receiving the RMRDC Nasarawa State Coordinating office team, The Hon. Commissioner Mr. Yakubu Kwanta stated that the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resource is glad to partner with RMRDC in capacity building noting the importance of leveraging on the abundant solid minerals that are found in each of the 13 local government areas, among which are granite, marble and gemstones of various degree.
He stated that though the State is endowed with minerals, but requires the enhancement of skills and process machine technology for artisans to be able to exploit the full potential of the minerals. He explained that if the mineral deposits are well harnessed, it can be a boom for Nigeria and the international market.
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He highlighted some challenges facing the sector that most of the stones are exported from Nigeria uncut and unpolished and sold without value addition. These developments deny the Nation huge economic revenue generation earnings due to lack of value addition to them.
He stated, “gemstones industry value addition is key to job creation and foreign exchange earnings which have not been possible due to smuggling of these minerals resources”.
Responding, the Nasarawa State coordinator, Mr. Alaku Y. A., who led the team said that the council, under the leadership of Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike- Muonso is committed to promoting the development and utilization of the abundant natural resource in the State and to add value to the industrialization efforts for job creation and economic growth.
He reassured the Nasarawa State Officials that the Council will collaborate to build the capacity of the artisanal miners in cutting and polishing of gemstones and any other strategic ventures that will advance raw material sourcing and value addition in the state.
He also noted that the Council has established a mineral testing laboratory which certificate will be given to qualified miners at the end of the day.
“The gemstone cutting and polishing skills, when acquired have huge investment potentials and will increase the purchase of gemstone locally in Nigeria and gemstone jewelry international market potentials”, he said.
