* Calls For Renewal Of Licences Or Face Sanctions
By David Odama (In Lafia, Nasarawa State)
Worried by the high level of environmental degradation, devastation and pollution, Nasarawa State government said it is considering stringent measures that would assist the state reclaim lands destroyed by the activities of miners.
The state government has also warned illegal miners to vacate all mining sites in the state, renew mining licences or face sanctions even as deforestation and charcoal production prohibition remain enforced.
The State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Yakubu Kwanta who gave the warning while inspecting mining sites in Udege community of Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state, said government has commenced engagement of all miners, obtaining their profiles with the view to ensuring that lands devastated by their activities were reclaimed.
"Following series of complaint from the mining sites in Udege community by a Chinese mining company, kenyang, on the activities of illegal miners threatening their work, we decided to visit the sites in company of mining experts, delegations from the community and the Chinese company to see things for ourselves and to enable us come up with measures that will address the complaints and ensure land reclamation in the area", Kwanta said.
While inspecting the affected sites, Kwanta disclosed that decision will be taken at the State Executive Council on possibly how lands destroyed could be refilled during mining to recover its soil materials. He added that government can not fold its arms and watch illegal activities being carried out or tolerate illegality and sabotage by both licensed and illegal miners in the state.
The commissioner who commended the mining firm for employing their host community, providing School, hospital and recreational centre in the area, however assured the company that government will not spare any mining firm that will work against the interest of the state.
The representative of the Chinese mining company, Xu Chen Wilder, appreciated Nasarawa State government for prompt action taken to control the activities of illegal miners in the area. He assured that the company will provide the needed social corporate responsibilities to the host community.
The Chinese mining company is presently explorating and processing TIN and Columbines in Udege Community of Nasarawa local government in Nasarawa state. NNL.
