The Federal Government has encouraged State Governments to invest in mining, to increase their revenue base and create wealth for their people.
The Minister of of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah (Dr.), stated this during a courtesy visit to Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on his two-day working visit to Benue State on the Optimization of Revenue Generation.
He stated that there will be an on-the-spot inspection of polluted stream water by coal mining activities in some communities in Okpokwu Local Government Area, adding that, his prompt response to the communities’ complaint was indicative of Federal Government’s determination to ensure that Mining operations were carried out responsibly by Mining Companies.
Ogah urged the State to support the programmes of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) as it would aid it in enhancing revenue generation from mining operations.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, expressed the State’s willingness to support and adopt Federal Government’s policies that would bring revenue growth and development to the State. He solicited the Ministry’s collaboration in mineral exploration, disclosing that a lot of unexplored minerals abound in the state.
Ortom also stated that Benue State government would readily take advantage of any opportunity to create jobs and put “smiles on the faces of Benue people.”
He commended the Ministry for its prompt response in coming to inspect and find possible solution to the plight of people in communities where Mining activities have affected water supply.
The Minister also revealed Federal Government’s willingness to revive the mining of Barite in the country as well as commitment to providing the necessary support for that sector to thrive. He therefore advised miners of Barite to organize themselves into a single Association that would cover the interest of all the barite Miners in the country.
Speaking at the occasion, Engr. Agamah Simon Ogwuj, in his welcome address affirmed the abundance of mineral resources, especially barite, in Benue State, as every Local Government Area of the State has at least one mineral resource.
He added that the State Mines Office, in its bid to eradicate illegal mining, has engaged in elaborate enlightenment of artisanal miners, which has resulted in getting them organized into cooperatives. Adding that only a few companies are actively involved in the mining of coal in the state and that some companies has shut down due to the activities of bandits.
The Chairman Benue State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee, Samuel Tar Iyornumbe (Engr.), disclosed that the Committee had successfully resolved the local governments and barite Miners conflict in the State, adding that the Committee’s intervention had led to the repositioning of miners in the state to operate according to mining regulations.
Iyornumbe further stated the issue of pollution from mineral exploitation and processing is being checked on regular basis, while the complaints from the community at Owokpa Opens Coal Mine in Ogbadibo Local Government Area and Dangote Cement at Gboko Local Government Area are on top watch. (Edited by Deborah)
Tine-Iulun, M.
For: Director (Press & Public Relations Unit)
30/08/2020
