Two Chinese Nabbed Over Mining Regulations In Niger

Two Chinese nationals were arrested in Niger State at the weekend for allegedly contravening regulations on unauthorised mining activities.

The state government has intensified enforcement against illegal mining and the Ministry of Mineral Resources has embarked on monitoring and inspection of mining sites in the state.

The two Chinese were arrested during an inspection visit by the commissioner for mineral resources, Hon. Muhammad Qasim Danjuma, to the Zuzungi Mining Site.

It was gathered that the visit exposed ongoing illegal mining activities being carried out in defiance of established legal and regulatory frameworks governing the sector in the state.

The suspects were allegedly  operating without valid license and outside approved guidelines, and were arrested for allegedly embarking on mining in violation of the law.

The commissioner said the state government was averse to illegal mining, emphasising that all individuals and entities must adhere to due process, obtain requisite license and operate within the ambit of environmental and safety regulations.

He warned that any breach of the provisions would attract swift and decisive sanctions even as he  noted that illegal mining not only undermines government revenue but also poses serious environmental risks and threatens the safety and wellbeing of host communities.

He said the state remained committed to protecting its natural resources through sustained enforcement, strengthened regulatory oversight and inter-agency collaboration.

He said the suspects were immediately handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with Nigerian laws.

Governor Umaru Bago has directed stoppage of all illegal mining and stoppage of mining  in security prone areas of the state.