The Federal Government has increased its efforts to crack down on illegal mining in order to ensure that the solid mineral sector makes a substantial contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). It has highlighted the pervasive nature of illegal mining in Oyo State and across the country, describing it as an act of economic sabotage that has resulted in significant revenue loss and serious environmental degradation.
Engr Ajayi Gbenga, the Zonal Mines Officer South West, made this known during a stakeholders’ sensitization/enlightenment workshop titled: ‘Illegal Mining, An Act of Economic Sabotage’, which was organized by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Ibadan.
According to Gbenga, the extensive presence of illegal mining operators in Oyo State poses a significant threat to the nation’s economy. He emphasized that it not only hinders genuine local and foreign investors in the sector, but also obstructs the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in its efforts to diversify the economy in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
A statement by Alaba Balogun, the Deputy-Director of Information & PR in the Ministry of Solid Minerals, commended the Federal Government for establishing the Presidential Task Force named ‘’Solid Mineral Special Task Force (SMSTF) to address the alarming spread of illegal mining activities in the South West and the entire country.
Balogun stressed the importance of cooperation between the States based Mineral Resources and Environment Management Committee MIREMCO and State Governments in fulfilling their duties. He specified that a synergy of efforts with the main committee, ‘National Committee’ of the SMSTF, will enable relevant government agencies to effectively curb, if not eliminate, illegal mining operations across the country. This will include conducting sting or crackdown operations against them.
He further explained that the Solid Minerals Special Task Force (SMSTF) is structured to have the National Committee made up of the main committee and a technical committee at the headquarters level, with the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, serving as the chairman of the main committee.
The workshop, titled “Stakeholders Training and Sensitization/Enlightenment campaign on Illegal Mining as an Act of Economic Sabotage & Training On Soft-Computing Models For Crusher Selection And Optimum Rock Fragmentation: Application Of Crushware and Fragware”, was organized by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. It took place at the Federal Secretariat Complex Conference Hall, Ikoloba Ibadan, in Oyo State.
In conclusion, the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to combat illegal mining demonstrate its commitment to protecting the nation’s economic interests and the environment. By working together with relevant stakeholders, it aims to curtail the detrimental effects of illegal mining activities and promote a sustainable and thriving solid mineral sector.