As part of measures by the Anambra State Government to revamp and make use of solid minerals in the state for revenue generation, the Anambra State Executive Council has approved the reactivation, expansion and early commissioning of the Kaolin Processing Plant at Ukpor, by the Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Limited.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Limited (ANSMDCL), Prof.Charles Ononuju Ofoegbu stated that the project will take advantage of the huge deposits of Kaolin in Anambra State with emphasis on downstream value addition on products for both export and local use.
He said that the project, which started as Pilot Processing Plant designed for Ukpor, by the Federal Government has now been transferred to the state with Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company having the mandate to not only complete the plant but to expand and commercialise it.
Prof. Ofoegbu assured that the project, which is planned to be ready for commissioning in the first quarter of 2025, will not only generate employment but enhance the quality of the takeoff of the value chain of Kaolin deposits within the state.
Prof. Ofoegbu maintained that moving forward, emphasis will be on the downstream in addition to quality mineral resources within the state, and to this end, plans are underway to also establish a similar processing plant for bentonite and other minerals within the state, as well as from outside the state.
Speaking further, the ANSMDCL boss said that as part of the mandate of the company, Mr Governor has also approved the acquisition of solid minerals assets around the state which includes bentonite, kaolin, limestone, lignite, among others, which the Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company is also exploring possibilities of acquiring other minerals resources outside the boundaries of the state.
On quality assurance, Prof. Ofoegbu emphasised that the company is working on the establishment of Mineral Testing Laboratory in the state capital that will serve the whole of South East and beyond, as worthwhile tools with the hope of attaining global recognition.
*Nsofor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
By: Adaobi Nsofor
