By Adaobi Nsofor
The Standard Organisation of Nigeria(SON), has embarked on an inspection visit to the Kaolin Processing Factory, Umunuko, Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State geared toward ensuring that the Kaolin products meets the required standards both locally and internationally.
Speaking before the tour of the Factory building, the General Manager, Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Limited, Mr Ebuka Ujubuonu noted that the idea for setting up the Factory was to encourage local technology and rural industrialization, whilst taking advantage of the Mineral deposits found in the community.
Representing the MD/CEO of the Company, Prof. Charles O.Ofoegbu, Mr Ebuka Ujubuonu emphasised that the project is in line with the Soludo-led administration and vision of transforming the State into an industrial hub. He said that the state government is taking it a step higher by constructing the pharmaceutical factory that would produce the pharmaceutical grade Kaolin for medicinal purposes.
“There’s no way we can engage our local and international partners without getting standards, that’s why we called on you to partner with us, so we can obtain good standards for global acceptability in line with global best practices”, he said.
During the factory tour, Mr Ebuka who explained comprehensively, the uses of the Kaolin products, its properties and compositions, noted that the Mineral, mainly alumino-silicate is locally sourced. He further said that safety measures are being applied in the factory to avoid hazards.
Responding, the State Cordinator, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Anambra State Office 2, Mr Michael Chukwudi Ogbuji, highlighted that their visit was to cue into the value chain to ensure that the products were of good quality that meets local and international requirements and standards.
While commending the State Government for the massive infrastructures at the site, Mr Ogbuji said that the Governor is indeed prepared and making frantic efforts to see that the mining and processing of the Kaolin products for industrial and pharmaceutical uses meets huge success.
Having inspected the raw materials, the Production machines, the finished products and Personal Protective Equipments of the Factory, Mr Ogbuji and his team certified the Kaolin Products under Product Identification Scheme(PIS), which is recognisable worldwide, after which it would be moved to Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme(MANCAP).
The offtake of the Kaolin products are expected to kick off soon, as an assurance to investors and lenders that there will be a market for the products.
Adaobi is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
