The Dangers of Illegal Mining in Southern Kaduna: A Call for Awareness
The federal government has undertaken the initiative to raise awareness in the Southern part of Kaduna State regarding the risks associated with illegal mining activities in the area.
The sensitisation and town hall meeting on mining were convened in Kafanchan, the headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area. This decision was prompted by the emerging mining activities in Southern Kaduna, particularly in relation to the presence of lithium, a highly sought-after mineral on the global market.
Acting zonal mines officer, Hosea Ali, underscored the necessity of sensitisation due to the detrimental impact of illegal mining. He emphasized that aside from depriving the government of much-needed royalties and taxes, illegal mining also contributes to environmental degradation and insecurity.
One of the major issues identified is the conflict between host communities and mining companies, particularly in terms of consent, community development agreement, surface rent, and environmental impact assessment. To address this, stakeholders were urged to ensure that necessary licenses and permits are obtained before commencing any mining activities.
The town hall meeting also heard from Monday Barau, a representative of mining companies in Kaduna. He underscored that the poor contribution of the mining sector to Nigeria’s economy is largely due to illegal mining. Barau sought the support of stakeholders to help reposition the sector and tap into its full potential.
Additionally, Eric Binang from the extractive industry fraud section of the EFCC office in Kaduna expressed concerns over the various laws being violated by miners. He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to cracking down on economic crimes related to mining.
The event was attended by traditional and community leaders, youth groups, and security agencies, signifying the collective effort to address the issue.
In conclusion, it is evident that the push for awareness and engagement with stakeholders is crucial in combatting the dangers of illegal mining. By fostering a greater understanding of the implications of illegal mining, there is potential to pave the way for responsible and sustainable mining practices in Southern Kaduna.
