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Quarry operators within the Federal Capital Territory
are to hold a crucial meeting with the Minister of
Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Musa Mohammed Sada
in Abuja on operational issues shortly.
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development made
the disclosure after an inspection and assessment
visit to some quarry sites in Abuja.
The quarry sites of the companies visited include :
Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Crushed Rock Nigeria
Limited, Setraco Nigeria Limited, Arab Contractors,
P.W. Nigeria Limited which are all located at Mpape
in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Arc. Sada disclosed that most of the companies had
been operating their quarry plants before the
enactment of Nigeria’s Minerals and Mining Act of
2007, adding that the meeting will provide an
opportunity for better understanding of the issues
involved in quarry activities.
According to the Minister some of the operational
issues to be discussed include : exploitation plan,
plan for operation, respecting the plan for
operation in respect to safety of human beings and
the environment, Environmental Impact Assessment, what
is to be done at the various quarry sites after
operation, streamlining of issues to move the sector
forward.
The Minister reiterated that construction of
residential buildings close to quarry sites will not
be allowed because it is dangerous to human life.
Consequently, he advised that such instances should
be brought to the knowledge of relevant government
agencies by the quarry operators for necessary
actions.
While fielding questions from journalists, Arc. Sada
said that the Ministry of Mines and Steel
Development was putting in place the necessary
legislative frame work for sustainable mining and the
environment in line with best global practices for
the maximisation of our mineral resources in the
country.
On the issue of good road network to facilitate
their operations, the Minister disclosed that the
Federal Government was already planning to do
something about that infrastructural challenge in the
Minerals and Metals sector.
On the issue of lifting the ban on mining
activities in Zamfara State, Arc. Sada disclosed
that only exploration Mineral Title holders are
presently allowed to embark on mineral exploration
activities in Zamfara State. |
