9th Nigeria Mining Week: Minister of Solid Minerals Development Pledges to Address Environmental Hazards

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Ahead of the 9th Edition of the Nigeria Mining Week, the Honorable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has committed to tackling environmental challenges associated with mining and fully exploring Nigeria’s potential in the global mining sector to bolster economic growth and foster an eco-friendly environment.

He added that the ministry is implementing robust policies aiming to curb environmental degradation.

During a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Dr. Alake underscored the importance of addressing environmental hazards and their role in climate change.

He noted that mining activities date back to colonial times when early operators left behind numerous abandoned mining pits without any remediation efforts.

“We inherited over 1,000 mining pits scattered across the country,” Dr. Alake stated.

The minister stressed that these sites have posed significant environmental threats to local communities. We have begun substantial remediation efforts to mitigate these dangers, converting many pits into reservoirs for irrigation and agricultural purposes.

The Minister elaborated on the ministry’s proactive measures: “There is an ongoing commitment to environmental management. We have an environmental department within the ministry that ensures operators comply with environmental regulations. Today, before any license or entitlement is granted, applicants must present their remediation plans. This approach prevents situations where operators abandon sites after 25 years without accountability.”

Dr. Alake emphasized the importance of public awareness, adding that various programs are broadcast on media channels, such as FRCA and NTA, to educate the public about the risks of unregulated mining. “Illegal mining operations contribute significantly to environmental degradation.

Unlike legal operators monitored by the ministry’s environmental compliance department, illegal operators show little regard for regulations. Our policies are robust and aim to curb environmental degradation.”

On the topic of data transparency in the sector, the Minister highlighted the government’s focus on precision and reliability. “Quality geoscientific data not only attracts investors but also reinforces the credibility and stability of our mining sector. Our goal is to position Nigeria as an attractive investment destination that adheres to international standards.”

Dr. Alake also spoke about the value addition strategy: “Our commitment ensures that Nigerian resources are not exported in raw form. Establishing processing and refining facilities within Nigeria generates local employment, strengthens industrial capabilities, and enhances the economic value beyond the mining sector.”

Dr. Mary A. Ogbe, Permanent Secretary of Solid Minerals Development, emphasized the role of the media in shaping public perception.

“Nigeria Mining Week consistently showcases the immense potential within our borders and the significant opportunities in our mining industry,” she remarked.

Dele Ayanleke, President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, noted the significance of informing both local and international audiences about the unique features of this year’s event. “This platform brings together a diverse range of global experts and solution providers to unlock the wealth potential of our mineral resources.”

Also, Habeeb Jaiyeola from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) expressed optimism about Nigeria’s mineral assets, emphasizing the importance of lessons from global best practices.

“This year’s event will explore topics such as mineral resource federalism, the strategic value of critical minerals, sustainable development, leveraging the capital market for mining finance, and the role of women in mining. The three-day event will take place from Monday, November 18 to Wednesday, November 20, 2024.”