The Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mr Effiom-Ekaha Otu (4th from L) with officials of the MIREMCO during the advocacy campaign…recently.
By Anietie Akpan
Cross River State Government has drawn the red line declaring war on illicit mining in the state.
This action by the state government Pillar Today gathered, is the right step in the right direction to protect the over 34 minerals identified to be available in different parts of the state and some of the solid minerals found in commercial quantity are uranium, iron ore, manganese, tourmaline, barites, marbles, galena and sphalerite, coal, kaolin, sulphite, rutile as well as new limestone deposits and others.
In a press release on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Comrade Nsa Gill, the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mr. Effiom-Ekaha Otu emphasized that the primary goal is to block illicit miners while maximizing the state revenue generated from legal mining operations and allocate it towards infrastructure development and socio-economic progress.
To achieve this, the Commissioner, in collaboration with the Chairman of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Committee (MIREMCO), have extended advocacy campaigns to rural communities to garner local support.
During a series of meetings held in Obudu, Akamkpa, Obanliku, Yala, Biase, Obubra, and other regions, Otu underscored the significant economic and environmental harm caused by illicit mining.
He emphasized that such actions contravene federal mining regulations and that the state, in cooperation with the federal government, plans to prosecute offenders.
Otu highlighted the severe consequences on agricultural land, water sources, and public health due to illicit mining expressing deep concern over the exploitation of local youth in dangerous mining activities, often leading to injuries or fatalities without any form of compensation.
The Commissioner urged traditional leaders, as custodians of the land, to reject offers from illicit miners and report such activities to the authorities.
He assured that legal mining operations, on the other hand, would benefit both the state and local communities by adhering to proper regulations and ensuring fair compensation.
Conversely, Engr. Ibem Uduma from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development encouraged communities to ensure that mining agreements are transparent and involve key stakeholders, including security personnel and government officials.
Similarly, the State Chairman of MIREMCO, Dr Otu Archibong, stressed the importance of communities verifying government approval for any mineral exploration. He outlined the requisite legal procedures, such as environmental and social impact assessments, licensing, and rehabilitation plans.
Community leaders and youth representatives expressed their support for the government’s initiatives and pledged cooperation to combat illicit mining.
They also appealed to the government to create employment opportunities to alleviate economic pressures driving illicit mining activities.
The state government’s initiative aims to regularize mining operations, safeguard the environment, and substantially increase revenue from legal mining activities as the additional revenue will be channelled towards enhancing the state’s infrastructure and fostering socio-economic development.
Recall that the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, recently visited the Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake in his office in Abuja and revealed that the state was on the verge of joining other states in operating a mining company, having applied for a license as a limited liability company.
He emphasized the State’s commitment to leveraging its vast mineral resources for state development stressing the importance of partnering with the ministry to combat illegal mining activities.