Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a modern Solid Mineral Analysis Laboratory in the state as part of efforts to strengthen the solid minerals sector.
Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Hamza Safiyanu Kachako, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a study tour of Zirconex Metals and Mining Laboratory.
The visit was aimed at evaluating the facility’s competence in solid mineral analysis and inspecting its operational standards.
The Commissioner, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Engineer Mansur Yakubu, and the Director of Public Enlightenment, Adamu Ibrahim Dabo, expressed satisfaction with the laboratory’s advanced testing equipment and operational procedures.
He assured the management of Zirconex that the Kano State Government is prepared to leverage such expertise in setting up its own Solid Mineral Sample Analysis Laboratory, designed to serve not only Kano but the entire northern region of Nigeria.
“…Under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano State is determined to develop the solid mineral sector to maximize socio-economic benefits.
This includes establishing the State Mining Company to serve as the industry’s operator while the government retains regulatory oversight through the ministry,” Kachako stated.
Earlier, the President of Zirconex Group, Mr. Christopher Unyime Ebong, who conducted the tour, explained that the laboratory’s operations are focused on three main areas: Mineral and Geochemical Analysis, Water Analysis, and Exploration and Mining Services.
According to him, the laboratory processes about 300 samples daily from Nigeria and neighboring countries such as Niger and Chad, serving as a crucial link between local miners and international mineral buyers.
Mr. Ebong thanked the Kano delegation for the visit and pledged to strengthen collaboration with the state government to advance mineral development initiatives.
