Assessment of Gemstone Resources and Marketing Challenges Facing Artisanal Miners in Oyo State, South West Nigeria

Oyo State, South West Nigeria, contains deposits of semi-precious gemstones including tourmaline, aquamarine, and topaz within its basement complex terrain, yet artisanal miners exploit these resources under extremely challenging marketing conditions. This study assesses the gemstone resource base and evaluates marketing challenges confronting artisanal gem miners in selected communities in Oyo State. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, incorporating geological field traverses, structured interviews with 90 artisanal miners, and key informant interviews with gemstone traders and state ministry officials. Gem samples collected during fieldwork were assessed for quality attributes including colour, clarity, cut potential, and carat weight estimation. Findings reveal that while gemstone occurrences are widespread, miners lack the skills and equipment to produce market-ready specimens, resulting in severe undervaluation of their produce. Middlemen operating without regulation capture the majority of value added, leaving miners at subsistence income levels. Limited access to formal gemological training, assaying services, and direct market linkages with international buyers constitute the primary barriers. The study recommends the establishment of a state-supported gemstone processing and marketing cooperative, integration of gemology training into vocational education, and engagement with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council for market development. This research adds to the limited literature on the gemstone value chain in South West Nigeria. Keywords: gemstones, artisanal mining, Oyo State, marketing, value chain.