To purify the mining sector and increase investor confidence, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has announced plans for an upcoming forensic audit.
Dr. Alake emphasized that the continuing changes will involve the use of technology-driven methods to bolster the regulatory framework of the federal government at a meeting with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Wednesday. His special assistant for media, Segun Tomori, released a statement on Thursday, August 15, which included this information.
“I can reveal that we are going to embark on a forensic audit of the entire sector,.We are collaborating with the Ministry of Science and Technology on satellite imaging, in line with the directive of Mr. President. This will assist in monitoring activities at mining sites and consequently bolster our capacity to effectively secure the mining environment,” Dr. Alake stated.
Dr. Alake emphasized the significance of Plateau State in the Federal Government’s strategy to grow the mining industry. He asked Governor Mutfwang to work with him to address the issue of abandoned mining pits, which he described as remnants of the colonial era, and to fully utilize the solid mineral potential.
“We are working towards creating an Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Fund to establish a pool of resources that can be used for remediation efforts. This includes covering or converting abandoned pits, which pose a danger to our citizens and communities, into productive uses like irrigation,” the minister added.
Governor Mutfwang praised the Minister’s commitment and enthusiasm for the sector since taking office in his remarks. He expressed hope that Nigeria will realize the enormous potential of solid minerals to considerably boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) under Dr. Alake’s direction.
The governor praised the mining marshals for their accomplishments thus far in terms of mining site security and urged the minister to see to it that they are properly integrated into the state’s security network so that it is aware of their operations.
In order to solve the problem of abandoned mining pits in the state, Governor Mutfwang also pushed for updated data in the mining industry, a better regulatory framework, and federal assistance.
“We are hopeful that through our partnership with the ministry, we can leverage the Federal Government’s ecological funds to remedy these abandoned sites. Not only is this vital for health, but it also holds potential economic value,” Governor Mutfwang emphasised.
