By Salifatu Guruza and Velma Idoko
As part of its efforts to strengthen collaboration with industries in the solid minerals sector, the Plateau State Office of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) recently paid a familiarization visit to Zaheen Integrated Concept Limited, Rikkos.
The delegation, led by the State Coordinator, Mrs. Salifatu Guruza, was warmly received by the management and staff of the company.
In her remarks, Mrs. Guruza explained that the visit was aimed at understanding the challenges and progress of industries within the state, promoting the development and utilization of local raw materials, and encouraging producers in the area of value addition in line with RMRDC’s mandate. She added that the Council was also interested in learning about Zaheen Integrated Concept’s operations, value chain, and areas where the government could provide support, particularly in terms of machinery and expansion.
Responding, the Chief Executive Officer of Zaheen Integrated Concept Limited, Mr. Zaheen Aminu Ghali, welcomed the team and shared insights into the company’s operations. He explained that the company has been in the mining business for over 15 years, with activities covering exploration, extraction, and exportation. Unlike many mining firms, he said, Zaheen Integrated Concept also specializes in collecting and exhibiting different varieties of mineral specimens, which attract both local and international investors.
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According to him, the company exports gemstones to countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and China, and sources minerals not only from Plateau State but also from Bauchi, Gombe, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Kogi States.
During the visit, Mr. Zaheen displayed various mineral specimens, including beryllium varieties such as emerald, aquamarine, beryl, and morganite, using ultraviolet light. He also explained how damaged gemstones are put to industrial use.
Mr. Zaheen highlighted some of the major challenges faced by the company, which include the negative perception and criminalization of miners by government agencies, double taxation and extortion by some government bodies such as the Police and Customs Service, difficulties in shipment caused by exchange rate fluctuations and the devaluation of the naira, as well as poor electricity supply that affects the use of stone-cutting and tumbling machines.
During the interactive session, discussions focused on gemstone processing, sourcing, and quality assessment. The RMRDC team engaged with the management of Zaheen Integrated Concept Limited on various aspects of their operations. In response, Mr. Zaheen explained that not all gemstones undergo polishing or reshaping, but the company plans to acquire advanced machines to improve the quality of its cut and polished stones, making them more competitive in international markets.
He also noted that the company sources its minerals both locally and from foreign countries, depending on availability and quality. While most gemstones are naturally attractive and are often sold or exported without additional processing, the company ensures they meet certain standards before purchase.
According to Mr. Zaheen, the key criteria for assessing mineral specimens include their formation and uniqueness, color saturation, luster or shininess, damage-free condition, and the presence or absence of inclusions within the minerals.
The familiarization visit ended with a physical tour of the facility, where RMRDC staff viewed different minerals and gemstones on display. Mrs. Guruza expressed appreciation to the management and staff of the company for their warm reception and cooperation.
