Edo State Government says it will no longer tolerate illegal mining activities across the state, warning operators, traditional rulers and community leaders involved in unlawful mining to desist or face sanctions.
The government has resolved to commence the mapping of mining sites, profiling of operators and intelligence-driven monitoring across the three senatorial districts.
It has also given all mining companies, cooperatives and individuals a 21-day grace period, from September 7 to 27, to submit relevant documents for verification.
Ait Ohioze Inarumen completes the report
Edo State Government is moving to sanitise the mining sector and reposition it as a major driver of industrial development.
The Commissioner for Mining, Kayode Iriagbekhai says the exercise is in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda to harness the state’s mineral resources for job creation, increased revenue and improved livelihoods.
Iriagbekhai says the data generated from the profiling will provide the foundation for rejuvenating the sector, attracting credible investors and tackling illegal mining.
The Commissioner says the ministry has received credible reports of large-scale illegal mining involving some individuals, including traditional and community leaders.
He also disclosed that several indigenous and foreign companies have expressed interest in investing in the state’s mining sector.
The former DSS operative, now Commissioner for Mining, says the sector is critical to the Okpebholo administration’s economic development agenda, stressing that Edo’s mineral wealth must be properly harnessed for the benefit of the people.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
