Illegal Miners Destroying Our Environment, Osun Community Cries Out

Apomu community in Isokan local government area of Osun State has raised the alarm over mining activities by a mining company causing grave environmental hazard to the residents.

The youth leader of the community, Mr Abdulganiyu Abiodun, in a press statement he issued in Abuja, said the illegal miners operate without the consent of the community.

He said the traditional ruler of the community had instructed that all legal steps be taken to stop the continuing environmental hazards in the community through its mining activities.

He alleged that members of the community had been exposed to environmental hazards sequel to the mining activities since 2017 by the company.

Abiodun urged the federal government to intervene by halting the mining activities, adding that the company had been carrying on with its business operations in Apomu without the consent of the rulers of the community.

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Also, the Apomu’s lawyer, Mr Kayode Ajulo, in a petition to the director-general, Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office alleged that the mining company has caused grave environmental hazard to members of the community of Apomu, thereby endangering their lives.

Ajulo said several efforts had been made by the traditional rulers of the community to discuss with the mining company over the effect of its activities and lack of consent but proved abortive.

He said it was discovered the company’s Small Scale Mining Lease had been effective since December 18, 2017 and due for expiration on December 17, 2022.

But LEADERSHIP search shows that in 2021, the firm was listed among defaulters and title holders by the Nigeria Mining Cadastral Office.

“According to the provision of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, before a Small-scale Mining Lease is issued by the Minister of Mines and Steels Development, the Mineral title holder must have sought the consent of the rulers/authorities of the host community.

“That a Small-scale Mining Lease upon its expiration is subject to a non-renewal pursuant to the failure of a Mineral titleholder to comply with the provision of Act,” he said.

Ajulo said the company having not complied with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 is not subject to the renewal of its mining license.

He said sequel to this, the company’s license should not be renewed upon its expiration on Dec.17 as the mining company did not comply with the provisions of the Act.