Illegal mining threatening economic growth – FG

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has lamented that illegal mining constitutes a major threat to the nation’s economic growth.  The Southwest Zonal Mines Officer, Ajibade Ganiyu said this during a raid on illegal mining sites at Ileki-Ijesa along the Ile-Ife/Ilesa road in Osun State.  During the raid, two suspected illegal miners were arrested by […]

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has lamented that illegal mining constitutes a major threat to the nation’s economic growth. 

The Southwest Zonal Mines Officer, Ajibade Ganiyu said this during a raid on illegal mining sites at Ileki-Ijesa along the Ile-Ife/Ilesa road in Osun State. 

During the raid, two suspected illegal miners were arrested by security operatives and officials and officials of Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States.

Ganiyu described the raid as an effort to tackle illegal mining operations and the land degradation they cause.

His words: “We are here to conduct an inspection and lawful enforcement activities in this area. Our purpose of coming here is to enhance compliance with the mining law and the regulations.

“We also want to protect the environment to ensure the safety of our people and safeguard the nation’s mineral resources.”

He disclosed that “When the illegal miners saw us, they ran away into the bush, but we were able to arrest two of the suspects and recover the boats and other equipment they were using on the site.”

Ganiyu said the inspection is a continuous exercise across the state, aimed at ending illegal mining activities.

Items seized from the miners include two motorcycles, a pumping machine, Lister generators, large hose pipes, cutlasses, washing machines, and a gold-trapping carpet, 

The Mines Officer for Osun state, Wasiu Adeboye noted that the raid will send a signal to illegal miners and their sponsors across the state.

He urged community and religious leaders to partner with the Federal and state governments to tackle illegal mining activities in the state.