The Bauchi State Government has launched a campaign aimed at legalizing mining operations in the state.
The campaign also focused on educating stakeholders about the environmental and economic impacts of illegal mining.
DAILY POST reports that the move is aimed at formalizing the activities of illegal miners by encouraging them to register as cooperative societies, ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting sustainable mining practices.
Addressing stakeholders in Ningi Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Natural Resources, Mohammed Maiwada Bello, explained that the state has put in place mechanisms to assist miners in transitioning to legitimate small and medium-scale enterprises by registering as cooperative societies.
Bello further revealed that the State Government now requires mining investors to obtain Clearance Letters from the Ministry’s Headquarters adding that the move
aimed at identifying investors, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, monitoring security, and enforcing the Community Development Agreement (CDA) to protect local communities.
The Commissioner further urged mining operators in Ningi LGA to pay their royalties and other revenues, stressing that the government would not tolerate any breach of corporate responsibility.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ningi Local Government, Hon. Nasiru Zakari, commended the Ministry for its efforts in educating mining stakeholders.
He urged participants to implement the knowledge gained during the sensitization promising to ensure that landowners and traditional leaders comply with government policies
Speaking earlier, the State Chairman of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Protection Committee (MIREMCO), Alhaji Bello Inuwa Galoji, stressed on the importance of protecting the environment from the harmful effects of mining activities.
He encouraged stakeholders to plant trees, while presenting participants with seeds for planting as part of the effort to combat environmental degradation.