Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has affirmed it resolve and commitment to continually check the menace of illegal mining of solid minerals in the country.
EFCC lamented that illegal mining was the worst thing that could happen to any nation’s economy, noting that illegal mining was associated with insecurity, economic loss, and other negative trends
The Acting Zonal Director of the Ilorin Zonal Command of EFCC, Harry Erin, disclosed these while playing host to Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development in Kwara State, Dr. Afees Abolore.
Erin, while decrying the illegal mining activities happening at different locations across the state, noted that illegal mining was a threat to both local and national economy, if left unchecked and assured that the EFCC would not relent in tackling the crime.
He stated that the world was gradually diversifying from petroleum to solid minerals as an alternative source of revenue, pointing out that Kwara State was one of the states of blessed with mineral deposits large enough to sustain the economy of the country.
“Kwara State is one of the states of the federation blessed with large quantities of solid mineral deposits such as lithium, lepidolite, petroleum, and gold among others. These natural minerals, if properly harnessed, have the capacity to sustain the economy of this country,” he said.
“A ton of lithium currently sells above $70,000. Meanwhile, hundreds of trucks of lithium are being moved away from this state illegally without record. So, the loss is huge, if put on a scale.”
“Illegal mining is another devastation that puts this state at risk. It is not only an economic sabotage, it also causes a lot of socio-economic destruction, insecurity, banditry and a host of other vices.”
Erin expressed confidence in the competence of the Commission to tackle the menace headon, noting that “the Commission has been active in tackling their criminalities and will continue to ensure that extant laws against illegal miners are enforced.”
While appreciating the support of Kwara State Government to the Commission, the EFCC Zonal boss called for more collaborative efforts in checking the activities of the operators in the mining sector.
Responding, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development in Kwara State, Dr. Afees Abolore, commended the EFCC for its giant strides especially its efforts in sanitizing the mining sector in the State.
Abolore said EFCC intervention in the mining sector was coming at the right time, and promised to work in partnership with the Commission, in its bid to curb activities of illegal miners and non-payment of royalties by mining operators in the state.
