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The stakeholders’ forum on
sustainable mining operations in Nigeria was organized by
the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in conjunction
with the Zamfara State Government. The forum which was
prompted by the recent incident of lead poisoning in Zamfara
State, was aimed at sensitizing the stakeholders in mineral
development on the best mining practices for sustainable
development.
The forum was attended by prominent
personalities which included His Excellency the Executive
Governor of Zamfara State ably represented by the Deputy
Governor; Honourable Minister of Mines and Steel
Development; Representative of the Honourable Minister of
Water Resources; Representative of the Commissioner of
Police; Local Government Chairmen; Traditional Rulers;
Mineral Title Holders and Representatives of Non
Governmental Organizations. The forum was well attended.
Various technical papers were
delivered. The papers focused on the following areas:
· -
Formalization of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining
Operations,
· - Mineral
Titles Administration and Cadastre System in Nigeria,
· - Mining
Environmental Issues and Mineral Title Holders’ Obligations,
· - Mining
Practice and Occupational Health and Safety,
· -
Sustainable Mining Practice.
The forum observed as follows:
i. Many
governments are challenged with balancing the economic
benefits of mining with the environmental cost of the
activities.
The negative environmental impacts of mineral exploitation
and processing are numerous and quite challenging. This can
be redressed adequately through the development of a
realistic and appropriate environmental management plans for
all phases of the project life cycle which includes mineral
exploration, exploitation and processing.
ii. Unless proper controls are taken in mining
and processing of metals, serious environmental damage can
result.
iii. Stakeholders to join in the crusade for sustainable
development of the Mining sector.
iv. All
arms of Government: Federal, State & Local Government,
Traditional rulers, security agencies amongst others, have
specific roles to play in the implementation of the NMMA,
2007.
v. All
stakeholders particularly States/Local Governments,
Traditional rulers, communities, security agencies amongst
others have a role to play in the development of the mineral
sector.
vi. Letter
of consent once issued is irreversible and there is the need
for adequate and proper planned sensitization programme on
exploration and exploitation and issuance of consent to
prospective investors.
vii. Mineral
title could be revoked through the application of the law.
And the forum recommended:
i)
The
need to encourage operators to abide by the rules outlined
in the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and other laws and
regulations.
ii)
The
urgent need for informal miners to formalize their
activities by forming registered mining cooperatives or
quarry associations. Mining cooperatives or quarry
associations should obtain small-scale mining lease before
operations.
iii)
The
need for setting up of a committee to curb illegal mining
was advocated. The committee is to be comprised of Ministry
of Mines and Steel Development, Zamfara State Government,
Nigeria Police, State Security Service, and Traditional
Rulers.
iv)
Decisive actions should be taken to completely stop mineral
ore processing in the villages. Artisanal miners and
small-scale miners should take advantage of the Ore
processing plant established by the Zamfara State Government
in order to ensure proper tailings disposal.
v)
Simple
safety rules such as wearing of nose covers, safety caps,
safety boots, hand gloves etc. must be enforced in the mines
field and processing points.
vi)
Periodic water sampling and analysis of potable water in
both the mines and the mines host communities should be
carried out in order to monitor water pollution.
vii)
Choice
of appropriate mining technologies and careful mining
operations within the parameters of the law are essential
for safe, efficient and sustainable mining.
viii) All
mineral title holders should produce and submit approved
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental
Protection and Rehabilitation Programme (EPRP) before
commencement of mining operation.
ix)
Miners
are encouraged to access information on mining policies and
guidelines from the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development
which has offices in almost all the states of the Federation
including Zamfara State.
x)
Local/Foreign investors should, at all times, be encouraged
to invest in the mining sector for rapid development of the
sector.
xi)
Regular
sensitization of stakeholders and mines host communities on
mining issues.
xii) The
activities of Mineral Resources and Environmental Management
Committee should be resuscitated for effective mining
operations in the states.
xiii) The
departments in the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development
should be empowered in terms of capacity building and
logistics to be able to carry out their functions
effectively and efficiently.
xiv) The
need for the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to lift
the suspension of mining activities imposed on Zamfara
State.
xv) The call for Zamfara State Artisanal and small-scale
miners to form cooperatives and participate in the micro
grant programme put in place by the Sustainable Management
of Mineral Resources Project.
The forum expressed its appreciation
to the Government and people of Zamfara State for their
hospitality and the successful hosting of the event.
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