…Vows to maintain sustainable mining sector
Kunle Kalejaye 04 September 2015, Sweetcrude, Lagos – The Lagos State government has vowed to deal decisively with any person or group of persons caught in the act of illegal mining and land degradation in the state.
It issued the order through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, which stressed that the government will not take it lightly with those involved in illegal sand mining as they constitute the cause of the degradation of the environment in the state.
The Director, Human Resources and Administration, Mr. Fashola Adeyemi Taofik, stated this during an on-the-spot assessment of some sand mining sites in the Ajah/Lekki axis of Lagos State
He advised those interested in carrying out sand mining activities to contact the ministry for necessary documentation and permit.
Mr Fashola disclosed that the Ministry is poised to ensure that miners in the State operates according to laid down regulations that will ensure sustainable development in the State. He said further that to obtain this mining standard, the Ministry has to continually monitor the activities of sand miners and ensure that laid down rules are followed strictly.
He said “In furtherance of the Ministry’s mandate to ensuring a sustainable mining operation, constant monitoring and clinical review of mining methods and its impacts, taking stock of degraded area as well as putting in place a restoration plan is been done by the Ministry”.
Mr Fashola saidL “The objective of the mining site monitoring and evaluation was also to locate and delineate the extent of land degradation at mining sites, initiate and develop land use programme for the identified area e.g. fish farming, agricultural cultivation, coconut plantation, landscaping.
“It is also meant to identify the derivable impact of the exercise on affected communities as well as develop mining methods and proper documentation that will ensure sustainable development.”
Sand mining sites visited are located in Oke Ogun and Araromi, Parcel B of the Lekki Free Trade Zones.
