Nasarawa Moves Against Illegal Mining, Warns Operators Over Teenagers
Commissioner Elayo orders investigation into alleged illegal mining in Wamba, warns operators against environmental degradation
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku
The Nasarawa State Government has intensified its campaign against illegal mining, with the Commissioner for Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining, Dr. Margaret Itake Elayo, warning mining operators against involving teenagers in hazardous activities and degrading the environment.
Elayo gave the warning while addressing journalists in her office in Lafia, following reports of the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State and a video allegedly showing young people engaged in dangerous mining activities in Nasarawa State.
The Commissioner expressed condolences to the Niger State Government over the reported deaths, describing illegal mining as unacceptable regardless of who is involved.
She said the development in Niger State should serve as a warning to Nasarawa and other states endowed with mineral resources to strengthen enforcement and prevent avoidable loss of lives.
“We are blessed with resources to make us grow, to impact our community and to bless the citizens of Nasarawa State, but not to destroy them,” Elayo said.
She warned investors against assuming that possession of a federal mining licence gives them unrestricted authority to commence operations on any land within Nasarawa State.
According to her, investors are required to engage the Nasarawa State Ministry of Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining before commencing activities.
She explained that the ministry opens a file for investors, guides them through the required procedures and participates in community awareness programmes to ensure that mining operations comply with relevant laws and protect host communities.
Exploration Licence Not Mining Licence
Elayo particularly cautioned operators against abusing exploration licences.
She explained that an exploration licence permits operators to explore, collect samples and conduct tests, but does not automatically authorise them to commence mining operations.
According to her, after exploration and testing, operators are expected to comply with further requirements, including appropriate engagement with host communities and Community Development Agreements before mining commences.
She expressed concern that some operators allegedly use exploration licences as a cover to commence mining and engage teenagers in dangerous activities.
The Commissioner said some mining operations involve chemicals and other hazardous materials capable of exposing children to serious immediate and long-term health risks.
“We are saying no more to this shenanigan in Nasarawa State,” she declared.
Malai Community in Wamba Under Investigation
The Commissioner disclosed that the ministry had received information concerning alleged illegal mining activities involving young people in Malai community, Wamba Local Government Area.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry explained that the video was sent to him by a conservator responsible for the Malai National Park, who reported the alleged activities.
Elayo said the ministry had already mobilised personnel to investigate the location and work with security agencies to take appropriate action.
She said the government would not wait until lives were lost before intervening.
The Commissioner also mentioned Uke as another area where the ministry had received information requiring investigation.
Children Found at Mining Sites Taken to Court
Elayo disclosed that the ministry had previously arrested operators found engaging children in mining activities and taken some cases to court.
She said her team had also intervened to remove children from hazardous mining environments, with some being supported to return to school.
However, she identified parental cooperation as a major challenge, alleging that some parents return their children to mining sites after government officials leave.
She said the government was considering stronger measures to protect children repeatedly found in dangerous mining environments, including possible government custody where necessary.
Government Warns Against Polluting Community Water
The Commissioner also raised concerns over mining operators allegedly recycling chemically contaminated water into communities.
She said some operators had been identified and would face sanctions for practices capable of exposing residents to polluted water.
Elayo stressed that investors must protect the environment and ensure that mining activities do not compromise the health and welfare of host communities.
She cited the operations of New Diamond Energy as an example of what she described as responsible environmental management, saying the company had established a water-management system that prevented its operational wastewater from flowing back into the community.
She added that separate boreholes were provided for members of the host community.
Commissioner Calls for Community Vigilance
Elayo urged traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to take responsibility for protecting their communities from illegal mining activities.
She cautioned traditional institutions and community stakeholders against entering agreements with investors without consulting the appropriate government authorities.
According to her, communities may focus on immediate economic benefits without fully understanding the environmental consequences of mining.
She said the ministry would continue to engage communities and investors to ensure that mining activities comply with state requirements.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the state has officials and designated representatives stationed in mining communities to monitor activities and provide information to the ministry.
She assured residents that the identities of some informants would remain protected for security reasons.
Elayo called on residents to report suspicious mining activities promptly.
“If you see something, you say something, irrespective of who they are,” she appealed.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule to ensuring that Nasarawa’s mineral resources contribute to economic development without destroying the environment or endangering residents.
The Commissioner stressed that the state remains open to genuine investors but would take appropriate enforcement measures against operators who violate mining and environmental regulations.
