By Clement Eyo

The Federal government through the Mining Cadastre Office , Abuja , in collaboration with Right Track Engineering Consult Limited rounds off A 3 – Day Sensitization Training Workshop on Economic Prospects of Artisanal and Small Scale Kaolin mining in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State . The training which started with a sensitization road walk on the 5th of January, 2024 ended with lectures on the 7th of January 2024.

The event which was held in Uyo local government council hall had in attendance the Member, representing the good people of Uyo Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Abuja , Rt (Hon.) Mark Esset who’s also the principal point man that attracted such a programme from The Mining Cadastre Office, Abuja, Engr. Aniedi Edem the lead consultant, Engr. Kenneth from The Mining Cadastre Office, Abuja and the Chairman LGA Dr. Uwemedimo Udo.

The training which was gerald with a brainstorming session of lectures by a distinguished scholars from the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) , Ikot Akpaaden Campus , Professor Abraham Udo who spoke extensively on the entire processes of mining Kaolin, usefulness, the important as well as the safety measures for the participants and those who will want to work in the Kaolin mining sector .

The event kicked off with an opening speech by the lead consultant Engr. Edem who enlightened the participants on the importance of such programme and why it was necessary at a time like this. He also encouraged the participants especially those already involved in artisanal mining in various locations in the state to make sure that the acquire the requisite licenses and permits in order to legalize their activities.

Meanwhile, Engr. Kenneth Chukwu who represented the Mining Cadastre Office, Abuja took the participants through the licensing process. He highlighted the office’s achievements in other states of the federation disclosing that so far, the office has empowered thousands of artisanal miners with cash and requisite knowledge. He also exposed the various programmes designed to help artisanal and small scale miners in the country.

speaking earlier before the lectures , the Member representing the good people of Uyo Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. (Hon.) Mark Esset commended the participants for taking due advantage of the training to learn the whole process of Kaolin Mining which is popularly known as (Ndom) in our local parlance .

Reps .Member , Mark Esset urged the participants to take the training seriously so they will master the rudiment of skills and comprehend the methods of processing Kaolin Mining in their domain. He further stressed that one of the cardinal points that spurs him up to attract such a training of this magnitude to the people of Uyo Federal Constituency is to ensured he prepares his constituents for the tasks ahead so they will take any advantage that will present itself to them in good stead any times the plans of’ resumption of the moribund Quality Ceramics is concluded by the State Government with a suitable foreign investors .

Also, the guest speakers who spoke intensively and extensively of the significance of Kaolin Mining envisaged more on the economic importance and uses of Kaolin ( Ndom) mining in the society to the participants.

One of the guest speakers , who spoke on the Economic Prospects of Artisanal and Small Scale Kaolin Mining , Engr. Udeme Udo Udo took time to explain the meaning of Kaolin , its introduction , the processing aspects of Kaolin , and its usefulness in the society

Given the lecture , the scholar Engr. Udeme Udo stated that Kaolin which is also known as Kaolinite , is a soft , white naturally occurring mineral that primarily consists of the mineral Kaolinite , along with varying amounts of other minerals like muscovite , quartz, feldspar , and anatase .
He further explained that Kaolin is extensively used in various industrial applications such as ceramics , paints productions, cosmetics , for pharmaceutical and agriculture due to its desirable properties including chemical inertness , absorbency and non – swelling capabilities.

Mr Udeme Udo after envisaging on the socio – economic importance of Kaolin (Ndom) ,says , that as Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State have realized the availability of Kaolin deposit in their father’s land , it’s very essential to harness the product and explore its usefulness for the betterment of the citizens .
He however submitted that harnessing the availability of God’s given Kaolin product in their land will not only helps in the areas of solving the monetary policies of the government but it will go along way to provide jobs opportunities to citizens who will embrace the ideas of mining the Kaolin product for various usefulness.

Also, a Scholars from the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) , Ikot Akpaden , Mkpat Enin local government area who spokes on various methods related to Kaolin (Ndom) is usefulness, the economic importance , processes and the application of safety guidance to the participants used the occasion to advise not only the participants at the training but also the indigenes of the State and the State Government to take full advantage of exploring the usefulness of Kaolin mineral as found in their various environments to make better living for themselves, the state , Nigeria and the society. They particularly appealed to the State Government to invest in the industry like they do in other sectors.

Lastly, the participants appreciated the Member , representing the good people of Uyo Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Abuja, Rt.( Hom.) Mark Esset for his sterling leadership qualities especially his unwavering support and contribution to the development of his constituents . They prayed God to keep him alive with more unceasing grace and wisdom .
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