FG vows to sustain responsible mining practices

The Federal Government has vowed to ensure that mining activities in Nigeria are conducted sustainably and responsibly.

It also said the activities of miners must align with both national and global environmental standards.

The government stated that by implementing stringent regulations and promoting best practices, it would safeguard the environment for future generations while encouraging responsible investment in Nigeria’s rich mineral wealth.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Mary Ogbe, gave the assurance during a sensitization programme for Mineral Title Holders, Mining Host Communities, and relevant stakeholders at Keffi, Nasarawa State.

A statement issued in Abuja on Monday by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, said the permanent secretary emphasised the need for mining operations to adopt stringent environmental practices.

Represented by the Director of the Mines Environmental Compliance Department, Dr Vivian Okono, the permanent secretary took the opportunity to educate stakeholders about environmental obligations, emphasising that strict adherence to best environmental practices is essential, not just a regulatory requirement.

She stated that the government is ready to collaborate with mining operators in the country to improve essential environmental practices.

She said, ‘’Understanding and fulfilling our environmental obligations is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental aspect of responsible mining. Our duty extends beyond mere compliance; it encompasses a commitment to proactive environmental stewardship.

“We will delve into the specific obligations that Mining companies must adhere to, and explore best practices for meeting these requirements effectively’’.

Ogbe noted that the ministry organised the sensitisation programme to broaden the horizon of participants around four interlinked topics of immense importance to the mining industry.

The topics include climate change, environmental obligations of mining companies, community and social issues, and the effective operationalisation of the Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Fund.

‘’Each of these elements plays a critical role in ensuring that our mining practices are sustainable, responsible, and aligned with both national and global environmental goals,’’ the permanent secretary added.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee, Mr Hudu Tafida, enjoined mining operators (mineral title holders) and host communities to seek dialogue as the best solution to resolving conflicts.

This, according to him, is one of the crucial roles of the MIREMCO at the state level, promoting harmonious working relationships between the mining companies and host communities.

Delivering his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Nasarawa State Chapter, Mr Yusuf Randaf, said the sensitization programme would be beneficial to both mining companies and host communities in its quest to ensure the development and exploitation of mineral resources in a sustainable and orderly manner.

The statement highlighted the high point of the sensitisation programme focused on specific obligations and best industry practices captured vividly during presentations by desk officers in the Mines Environmental Compliance Department of the ministry.

These include environmental obligations of mineral title holders, community development agreements in the mining sector, environmental protection and rehabilitation funds, legal perspectives of community development agreements, and, mining activities and climate change.