Economy

Lawmaker Wants End To Illegal Mining In Ijesaland

By Web News 797

The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Solid Minerals Development to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, to ascertain the authorized and licensed miners within Ijesha South Federal Constituency of Osun State.

The directive followed the motion by the member representing Ilesa West and East, Atakumosa West and East Federal Constituency, Chief Babatunde Ayeni, on the need for the federal government to act fast on the unfriendly and unwholesome activities of artisanal and illegal miners in the area.

The House expressed concern over the rising spate of illegal mining in Ijesaland and called for proper profiling of the miners to ascertain the number of licensed operators, noting that the Nigeria Mineral and Mining Act of 2007, prohibits all forms of unauthorized exploration of mineral resources.

Filing the motion, Chief Ayeni regretted the devastating effects of the illicit mining activities on the biogeography of the area and the health of the people, submitted that if necessary measures were not taken, the situation might degenerate into anarchy.

Isaac Haastrup

Environment

Don Decries Illegal Mining in Ijesa

By Web News 631

A Don, Professor Olu Odeyemi has called on the government to check the activities of illegal miners in Ijesaland.

Professor Odeyemi made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria in Ilesa.

He said there should be training for miners by the government and ensure that permits are not given to quacks.

Professor Odeyemi who lamented the rate of destruction their activities have caused in the land said that there should be ways to compensate those affected.

He decried the influx of strangers in Ijesaland, saying this if not check, could increase crime in the state.


Temitope Adufe

Security

27 Illegal Miners Arrested in Osun

By Web News 878

In Osun State 27 illegal miners, comprising 17 Chinese nationals and 10 locals, including a local traditional chief have been arrested. 

They were arrested following a coordinated sting operation around Ilesa and Ife axis of the State by the recently inaugurated Joint Task Force, JTF.

Speaking on the development, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Mr Abdullahi Binuyo, said no responsible government would fold its arms and watch its land being degraded by unauthorised persons. 

Mr Binuyo noted that aside the economic leakages, the illegal miners flouted the COVID-19 stay at home order, while they also polluted the Osun River with poisonous metals, thereby making it unsafe for human consumption and irrigation. 

He added that apart from ensuring that those arrested were prosecuted, they would also be made to pay compensation.

The Governor’s aide explained that the suspects did not have genuine mining licenses neither were they registered with the government, adding that what they claimed to possess was exploration Licenses, which did not permit them to mine.

Earlier, one of those arrested, May Zam, who was the only one that could speak passable English among the Chinese, disclosed that she was not aware they were engaged in illegal mining. 

She said they worked for different companies, and she believed they should have mining licenses, adding that the current company she works for, which she failed to name, has a Nigerian sponsor.

Oye Adenitan