FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State Ministry of Mining in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has shut down two illegal mining sites.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the state Ministry of Mining, Grace Oakhiena, disclosed that the sites in Erhua Community near Ehor in Edo South and Iruekpen communities in Edo Central, were shut down last week Wednesday after an inspection.
The statement said the affected sites were found to be operating without proper licence and in blatant disregard for environmental regulations and mining ethics.
The Commissioner for Mining, Andrew Ijegbai, who led the inspection team on the exercise, expressed shock at the life threatening activities on the site.
He condemned the illegal mining operations and restated the state government’s commitment to eradicate illegal activities in the mining sector.
While stating that the impact of illegal mining on the environment and communities could not be ignored, Ijegbai expressed the willingness of the state government to work with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals to root out illegal activities and promote sustainable mining practices.
