Mining Processing Begins In Osun Next Year, Says Adeleke

Having attained environmental standards required for mining operations, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has said that mining processing will commence in the state in 2024.

Adeleke who responded to a situation brief by his special adviser on mining and solid minerals, Prof Lukuman Adekilekun Jimoda, in Osogbo, recalled that a year ago he promised to overhaul the mining sector with a view to securing maximum returns for the state from her solid mineral wealth.

“We are recording an increase in revenue generation. Accumulated service charges on our licenses have been cleared. We are at the tail end of upgrading our exploration leases to mining leases. This will bring more investors.

“I am elated to report that we have fulfilled that promise within a year of assuming office,’’ the governor said, adding that he was particularly elated with the environmental standard enforcement.

“We are now operating an environmentally-friendly operation. EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) and EMP (Environmental Management Plan) are now a must before mining operation. Cleaning up the polluted environment is also ongoing. Our mining operation now has zero tolerance for environmental degradation,” Adeleke said.

He said a long drawn negotiation with mining companies operating in Osun had been on since the beginning of the year and assured the people that Osun would soon be earning more revenue from the sector

Earlier, Prof Jimoda to the governor that no effort is being spared to implement the mining sector reform as laid out by his administration.