The African Minerals Strategy Group has called for stronger regulations and safer mining practices following the reported death of more than 100 artisanal miners in a gold mine collapse in Zamboye, Central African Republic.
The is contained in a statement signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals development, Dr. Dele Alake who is also the Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group, AMSG.
While Dr. Alake describes the incident as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by artisanal miners across Africa, he expresses condolences to the Government and people of the Central African Republic, particularly the families of the victims.
Alake says the tragedy should push African countries to take urgent action against illegal and unsafe mining, which puts lives at risk, damages the environment and deprives governments of legitimate revenue.
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The statement adds that while governments must enforce laws against illegal mining and criminal networks, they should also create opportunities for artisanal and small-scale miners to operate legally and safely.
Dr. Alake promises continuous support for stronger mining regulations, improved safety standards and the formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining across Africa as he stresses that no mineral resource is valuable enough to justify the loss of human lives.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
