Firm Seeks Data Integrity, Govt Support In Mining Sector

By Goodness Adeagbo, Abuja

President of ZIRCONEX Mining and Metal Laboratory Limited, Christopher Uyime Ebong, has underscored the importance of laboratory analysis in determining the economic value of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

Ebong spoke in Abuja during the inauguration  of the XRD facility yesterday, saying that the success of any exploration project ultimately depends on laboratory verification.

He warned that exploration efforts without credible laboratory data could result in financial losses, stressing that only proper analysis can confirm whether mineral deposits are economically viable.

“No matter how beautiful your exploration is, it still ends up in a lab. It is the lab that defines whether your data is bankable or not,” he said.

The ZIRCONEX boss explained that bankable data must originate from laboratories equipped to deliver accurate elemental composition and detailed mineralogical analysis.

He added that such capacity is vital for attracting investors and strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s mining sector.

On collaboration, Ebong disclosed that the company is partnering with the Nigerian Geological Society, the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Environment to enhance operations.

According to him, the partnerships would ensure compliance with standards and support seamless laboratory processes.

He, however, called for stronger government intervention to address structural challenges in the mining sector.

Describing the industry as largely informal, Ebong urged federal and state governments to establish systems that would improve regulation and data integrity.

He also advocated adopting frameworks to standardize exploration processes, laboratory testing, and data management in line with global best practices.

In his remarks, the President of the Geological Society of Nigeria, Malami Uba Saidu, said the facility was designed to bridge longstanding gaps in the mining value chain.

Saidu noted that the development would end Nigeria’s reliance on foreign laboratories, which often led to delays, high costs and project setbacks.

“With this capability now available locally, we can accurately determine mineral composition and assess deposit viability in a cost-effective and timely manner,” he said.

He described the initiative as a boost to investor confidence, emphasizing that reliable data is critical for resource estimation and project financing.