Following an increase in the activities of illegal mining operation in Edo state, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo command said weekend that it has commence clamping down on illegal mining operators in the state.
Commandant of NSCDC in the state, Makinde Ayinla disclosed at a meeting with officials of ministry of Mines and Steel Development and stakeholders in Benin.
Ayinla said the command had given enough time to all operators to regularize their documents and operating licenses, royalty payment and environmental impact assessment.
Disclosing that the state was blessed with limestone, kaolin, granite, and Gypsum, the NSCDC boss said the resources had attracted activities of quarrying, burrow pits and mining processes.
He said that the corps working in synergy with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to fully harness the benefits of these mineral resources.
He charged the operators to ensure that no mining sites were situated less than 50 meters to power lines, railway lines, public buildings, reservoir, dam, and public roads.
Ayinla noted that officers of the command would soon embark on stop and search operation and policing of illegal mining activities.
He advised the operators to ensure that their waybill tally with other relevant documents, advising tippers and lorry owners to ensure same to avoid prosecution in cases of breach.
He said the corps would no longer fold its arms and watch individuals sabotage government efforts and resources.
“Nigeria is a country endowed with human and natural resources, which if properly managed will make the country one of the world powers, “he said.
In his contribution Mr Kalu Kalu, who represented the Zonal Coordinator, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, said that illegal mining was a criminal offence and punishable under the law.
He said that to strengthen operational activities, the Minister in charge of the ministry established a close relationship with the NSCDC which resulted in the formation of the Solid Mineral Unit.
END
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Following an increase in the activities of illegal mining operation in Edo state, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo command said weekend that it has commence clamping down on illegal mining operators in the state.
Commandant of NSCDC in the state, Makinde Ayinla disclosed at a meeting with officials of ministry of Mines and Steel Development and stakeholders in Benin.
Ayinla said the command had given enough time to all operators to regularize their documents and operating licenses, royalty payment and environmental impact assessment.
Disclosing that the state was blessed with limestone, kaolin, granite, and Gypsum, the NSCDC boss said the resources had attracted activities of quarrying, burrow pits and mining processes.
He said that the corps working in synergy with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to fully harness the benefits of these mineral resources.
He charged the operators to ensure that no mining sites were situated less than 50 meters to power lines, railway lines, public buildings, reservoir, dam, and public roads.
Ayinla noted that officers of the command would soon embark on stop and search operation and policing of illegal mining activities.
He advised the operators to ensure that their waybill tally with other relevant documents, advising tippers and lorry owners to ensure same to avoid prosecution in cases of breach.
He said the corps would no longer fold its arms and watch individuals sabotage government efforts and resources.
“Nigeria is a country endowed with human and natural resources, which if properly managed will make the country one of the world powers, “he said.
In his contribution Mr Kalu Kalu, who represented the Zonal Coordinator, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, said that illegal mining was a criminal offence and punishable under the law.
He said that to strengthen operational activities, the Minister in charge of the ministry established a close relationship with the NSCDC which resulted in the formation of the Solid Mineral Unit.
END
