The Nigerian federal government has recently announced the revocation of a mining licence belonging to a particular company as a result of unlawful activities that led to the fatal deaths of three miners in Niger State. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, made this announcement through his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, in Abuja.
The tragic incident occurred when a mining pit collapsed in Adunu community in Niger State. Alake revealed that the owners of the licensed land units had engaged in illegal mining activities, leading to the termination of their titles. An investigation indicated that the collapsed mine was located in an area under Exploration Licence 43113, granted to Jurassic Mines Limited in Adunu Village, Paikoro Local Government Area, Niger State.
It was also discovered that the miners did not have the appropriate authorisation to conduct mining activities and had only been granted an exploration licence. This type of license only allows an applicant to verify the site’s suitability for proposed mineral exploration.
Following the accident, Alake expeditiously dispatched mine officers to the site to ascertain that three individuals had lost their lives in a gold mining tunnel collapse. Subsequent investigations revealed that the miners were operating illegally. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday at approximately 4:45 pm, and the victims were laid to rest following the accident.
In addition to this recent occurrence, it is worth noting that similar tragedies have previously occurred in Niger State. On June 4, one person lost their life after 30 miners were trapped at a site in the same state. These distressing events underscore the critical need for vigilance and compliance with mining regulations to prevent future tragedies from occurring.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has taken prompt and decisive action in response to these illegal activities. It is crucial to hold individuals and companies accountable for engaging in illegal mining practices, as these activities not only pose a danger to the miners themselves but also endanger the surrounding communities.
The revocation of the mining licence sends a clear message that the Nigerian government will not tolerate reckless mining activities that put the safety and well-being of its citizens at risk. By enforcing stringent regulations and ensuring compliance with mining licences, the government aims to prevent further loss of lives and protect the natural resources of the country.
In conclusion, the tragic deaths resulting from illegal mining activities in Niger State have prompted the Nigerian government to take decisive action. The revocation of the mining licence represents a crucial step towards promoting responsible mining practices and safeguarding the lives of miners and local communities. It is imperative that both individuals and companies involved in mining operations adhere to the regulations established by the government to prevent future tragedies.