Bauchi Govt To Crack Down On Illegal Mining

Bauchi State government has devised policies to sanitise mining  activities in a move to harness the economic potential of the mining sector in the state.

The state commissioner of Natural Resources, Hon Muhammad Bello stated this yesterday during a sensitisation workshop for mining operators in Shira local government area, aimed at generating revenue, creating employment opportunities and ensuring environmental sustainability.

He assured that the state government is determined to sanitise the mining sector and make it a significant contributor to the state’s economy.

The workshop, organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources, brought together stakeholders in the mining industry to discuss the new strategic policies.

Bello warned that the state will not tolerate illegal mining activities adding that, “Our policies will be fair and transparent, with a focus on supporting legitimate mining businesses.”

The commissioner commended the administration of Governor Bala Muhammad for its support in attracting national and international investors and called on mining companies to comply with all laws and orders guiding mining operations and to engage in corporate social responsibilities (CSR) and other community engagements.

“We are committed to supporting our mining operators to ensure they operate within the ambit of the law and contribute to the state’s economic development,” the commissioner said.

Chairman of Shira local government area, Abdullahi Ibrahim, commended the commissioner’s initiatives, describing them as timely and necessary for the sector’s sanity.

“We will mobilise our community to support the government’s efforts to regulate the mining sector,” he assured.

During the sensitisation tour, the permanent secretary of Bauchi State Ministry of Natural Resources, Maijama’a Dewu and the chairman of MEREMCO, Alh Bello Galoji, spoke on mining-related issues, urging operators to support the government’s efforts to address challenges in the sector.