THE Federal Government Has ordered all illegal miners to leave Zamfara state or face the wrath of the law.
The govt futher stressed that mining activities in the state remain suspended pending the release of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to guide the resumption of exploration.
The development followed reports of a recent lead poisoning in the Bugundu Local Council of the state.
Reacting to the incident, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, noted that the ongoing ban on mining, imposed six years ago, should have prevented such incidents.
Alake said the outbreak was evidence that traditional and local institutions allowed illegal miners to operate in their areas in flagrant violation of the embargo.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, the minister disclosed that the ministry would soon release comprehensive SOPs for mining operations in Zamfara.
IN a related development, the Oyo House of Assembly, yesterday, called for the judicious implementation of Executive Order 001 to curb the harmful effects of illegal mining activities in parts of the state.
In October 2023, Governor Seyi Makinde signed Executive Order No. 1 of 2023, aimed at protecting mining communities from insecurity and exploitation, marking a significant step towards ensuring that mining activities benefit local communities and are carried out responsibly.
The motion, moved by Anthony Ogunsola, representing Iwajowa State Constituency, and seconded by Olorunpoto Cephas, Oyo East/West Constituency, came during plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin.
The lawmakers highlighted the need for state intervention to mitigate the insecurity threats posed by mining activities to host communities, particularly in the Oke-Ogun, Oyo, and Ogbomosho zones, which have not benefited adequately from mining activities over the past 30 years.
They also sought ways to source funds for community development in these areas.
The House urged the state government and Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals to collaborate on mechanisms to combat illegal mining, mandating the House Committee on Solid Minerals to conduct a thorough audit of the mining sector in the state to ensure effective implementation of the Executive Order.
