Mining Safety: The Need for Tighter Regulations on Explosives Handling
The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) has released a statement regarding the pressing need for more stringent regulations on the importation and handling of explosives within the mining sector, particularly in light of the recent tragic explosion in Ibadan.
In a press interview, the President of NMGS, Prof Akinade Olatunji, emphasized the critical importance of implementing regulations that would oversee the safe importation, storage, and handling of explosives by all stakeholders in the mining industry. He noted that had these regulations been adhered to, the devastating explosion in Ibadan could have been prevented.
Prof Olatunji emphasized the various stakeholders involved in the regulation of explosives, including the Mines Inspectorate Department of the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development, the Directorate of State Security (DSS), and the anti-bomb squad of the Nigerian Police Force. He stressed the crucial need for these regulations to be strictly enforced to avoid similar incidents in the future.
To reinforce his point, he proposed that severe penalties should be enforced on those who violate mining regulations to deter illegal miners and prevent unsafe storage of explosives. Prof Olatunji also urged the government to involve industry professionals in the development and growth of the mining sector.
The tragic explosion in Ibadan serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers posed by illegal mining activities to the community at large. It is clear that the lack of rigorous regulations and oversight in the handling of explosives within the mining sector can have catastrophic consequences.
It is imperative for the Nigerian government to heed the NMGS’s call for stronger regulations in the mining industry, as this would not only protect the lives and properties of its citizens but also harness the vast potential that the country’s mining sector holds.
In conclusion, the NMGS has presented a compelling case for the thorough implementation of regulations governing the importation and handling of explosives within the mining sector. This is a call to action that should not be underestimated, as the safety of the community and the growth of the mining industry are at stake.
