Edo State Ministry of Mining and Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development Collaborate to Close Illegal Mining Sites
HEADLINENEWS reports that in a joint effort to combat illegal mining operations, the Edo State Ministry of Mining and the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development successfully shut down two unlicensed mining sites on Wednesday.
The operation was disclosed in a statement released by the Edo State Ministry of Mining’s Public Relations Officer, Grace Oakhiena, on Friday.
The targeted sites, located in Erhua Community near Ehor in Edo South and Iruekpen communities in Edo Central, were found to be operating without proper licenses and with blatant disregard for environmental regulations and mining ethics.
This discovery was made following an inspection conducted by a team led by the state Commissioner for Mining, Andrew Ijegbai.
In addition to the lack of proper licensing, the team uncovered evidence of severe environmental degradation and life-threatening activities at the illegal mining sites.
Expressing shock and disappointment at the unlicensed mining activities, Ijegbai emphasized the Edo State government’s commitment to eliminating illegal mining operations within the state.
Recognizing the significant environmental and societal impacts of such activities, Ijegbai asserted that the state will continue to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals in rooting out illicit practices and fostering sustainable mining methods.
“The illegal mining site at Erhua was found to be operating close to the Federal Road and openly excavating under high-tension lines, posing significant risks to the community.
“The other illegal mining site at Iruekpen was operating without a license, no consent from proper authorities and no environmental impact assessment.
“These operations not only degrade the environment but also compromise the safety and well-being of the people living in the affected areas, coupled with posing a threat to the state’s power infrastructure. Governor Monday Okpehbolo has given the directives to investigate and ban illegal mining operations in the state,” Ijegbai said.
