In this interview with Ernest Nzor, the former African Chairman of Communities Artisanal and Small Scale Mining , Linus Adie, shares his insights on how Nigeria can learn from countries like Sri Lanka and South Africa to develop its gemstone industry, which is currently being threatened by smuggling. out of the country.
There’s still a lot to be done. One crucial enabler is the establishment of a gemological center, which we currently lack. Such a center is essential for determining the quality of gemstones for customers and export. It would also provide critical research advantages, enabling us to better understand and develop our gemstone resources.
In Sri Lanka, for example, skilled jewelry makers create exquisite pieces sought after worldwide. Despite being a developing country, Sri Lanka has a thriving jewelry industry. During my visit as Chairman of the African region, I was impressed by the quality of their products, which could easily be sold in prominent jewelry shops in Europe and the U.S., yet were produced locally in Sri Lanka.