The community of Umunuko, Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area, Anambra State, is on the verge of significant development with the discovery of Kaolin deposits and the installation of a Kaolin Processing Plant. This project, spearheaded by the Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company, is set to bring industrial growth and economic benefits to the area.
During a recent tour of the project site, Managing Director/CEO Prof. Charles Ofoegbu assured the community that the plant would be fully operational and commissioned by Governor Chukwuma Soludo by the end of January 2025. Prof. Ofoegbu noted that the refurbished old mill has been assembled, and they are awaiting the arrival of the R3, which will complete the factory setup.
He highlighted the installation of a specialized kiln plant, or kaolin calciner, which has been reassembled and will be housed in a newly constructed warehouse. “The foundation for this warehouse will begin Tuesday and should be ready by the weekend to support the kiln’s weight. Once completed, installation of the kiln—which features both vertical and horizontal components—will begin, followed by roofing for effective cooling,” Ofoegbu explained.
To support the facility’s operations, a 300kva transformer and a large generator will be installed to provide power in case of outages. Ofoegbu also emphasized the importance of environmental safety and worker health, noting that these will be prioritized throughout the project.
The processing plant will be equipped with high-precision digital scales and industrial bagging machines, with 3,000 storage bags already produced. The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) will inspect the facility to ensure it meets international standards, setting the stage for kaolin exports.
In addition to economic benefits, the project includes several Community Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. These include street lighting and road grading around the factory, refurbishment of the local health center, and provision of essential medicines for the facility, which will also serve as a health resource for factory workers.
Prof. Ofoegbu affirmed that an Environmental Impact Assessment is ongoing to align with best practices. He emphasized that this project is expected to bring industrialization, development, and employment opportunities not only to Umunuko, Ukpor but also to surrounding communities, marking a new era of growth for the region.
