He is one of the finest and prolific master faceters in Nigeria. Zephaniah E. Ndaja, who doubles as a Lapidary consultant and the Chairman, ZARAY GEMS NIG. LTD, sole representatives of Ultra-Tec manufacturing Inc, Manufacturers of Ultra-Tec faceting machines based in Santa Ana, California, USA. In this exclusive interview with Aliede Patience of The Rock Post Publications, speaks on the colorful prospects waiting to be tapped in our gemstones sub-sector.
Excerpts:
Q. Give us a brief on the Nigeria gemstones sector
R. The Nigeria gemstones sector is one of our great national potential. The sapphires of the north- east like the Mambila, Ngulde and Hawul materials are among the best in world. In fact, the Mambila Sapphire has surpassed the Ceylon Sapphire which used to be the world’s standard. Our Tourmalines from the south west to the north-central dominate the international markets.
Q. How viable is the sector in Nigeria and how can government be positioned to unleash maximum support?
R. The gemstones sector is very viable because of increased awareness. A lot of downstream industries are springing up. If we get a few things right especially in the area of manpower development and equipment sourcing, the sector can be one of the employment generator in the country. The government should focus on skills development and assist in equipment sourcing through provision of accessible funds.
Q. Can the gold purchase scheme of the federal government be replicated with Gemstones?
R. Yes, Very much if we transform our gemstones sector into a strategic national asset, gemstones will yield more foreign exchange for the country than Gold. The size to value ratio is also another excellent advantage. A very small gramage of excellent Corundum can return a mind-blowing value, economically.
Q. Is it possible to own gems as a national asset as proposed for gold to be reserved in the Central Bank?
R. Yes, just as gold, certain gemstones like Sapphires, Copper Tourmalines, Rubelite and Indicolite Tourmalines can be secured into a reserve in the Central Bank. They are all available in our fields, exported in raw forms.
Q. Discuss some variety of gemstones found in Nigeria and their international value.
R. A Blue Mambila sapphire cost about $4000/carat in the international market, for the medium grade stones. The premium grade stones go for as much as $50,000/carat. A premium quality Copper tourmalines can go for as much as 20 to 40 thousand dollars per carat.
Q. Educate us on the gemstones value chain.
R. It consist of Gem Scouts, Exploration Geologists, Mining Engineers, Marketers, Cutting, Polishing and Faceters, & Jewelers etc. Gemstones are among the commodities that have very little waste. With available tools, you can transform both good and poor quality gemstones into excellent finished products that can be sold.
Q. With the faceting skills available here, why are gemstones mostly sold raw?
R. Because most of the skilled workers cannot afford the equipment they need to be fully engaged in the highly demanding craft.
Q. Do we have certified gemstones faceters and valuers in Nigeria?
R. We have faceters but do not have certification gemologists. This is one area that is waiting to be harnessed by indigenous gemologists.
Q. Advise the honorable minister on how best to reposition this sub-sector
R. Government can do two things to help reposition the sector. First government can establish lapidary and jewelry centres dedicated solely to skills development. In the alternative, government can give grants to individuals that have acquired the skills so that they can purchase equipment and set up their own workshops. Government can also set up gemstones cluster in all geo-political zones.
Q. Which gemstone, among several others, can we consider a National asset and why?
R. Sapphires, Copper tourmalines, Indicolite Tourmalines, Rubelite Tourmalines, Emerald, Aquamarine, Spessertite garnet, Demantoid ganet.
