Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to intensifying the sensitisation of stakeholders on the negative impacts of illegal/artisinal mining in communities across the State
The Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chief Abosede Olaitan Buraimoh, disclosed this on Tuesday in Ilorin while addressing journalists at the third Quarter inter ministerial press briefing organised by the state Ministry of Communications.
Chief Buraimoh maintained that the sensitisation campaign would empower traditional rulers to properly profile investors in mining activities within their domains to curb possible influx of bandits in line with existing laws.
She said the State has been identified as one of the leading solid mineral producing states in the country, with an assurance that, the Ministry under her watch would utilise the full potential of mineral resources, to the benefit of the state.
The Commissioner said that the Ministry of Solid Minerals is working closely with Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority(NNRA) to sensitize miners on safe mining practices to mitigate effects of radioactive emmissions on the mining site, and to create a robust awareness for both local and international prospective miners in the State
She added that the ministry has created a robust synergy with the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS),which has enhanced revenue generation from Haulage Consultants into government coffers
Chief Buraimoh disclosed that the ministry is working on a legislation to compel mining companies to reclaim degraded land for agricultural use after operations, as part of efforts to address land degradation matters
In furtherance to enhancing seamless investment opportunities in mining operations and also increasing internally generated revenue potential for Kwara State, Chief Buraimoh reiterated that the State government has fulfilled the Registration requirement of five Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and now at the verge of obtaining mining licenses, using the 5 SPVs.