Two illegal mining sites in the state have been closed by the Edo State Ministry of Mining in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, according to a press release issued on Friday by Grace Oakhiena, the ministry’s public relations officer.
The statement said that the sites in Iruekpen Community in Edo Central and Erhua Community near Ehor in Edo South were closed on Wednesday following an inspection, which also revealed that the sites were operating without the necessary licenses and in flagrant disregard for environmental regulations and mining ethics.
The inspection team, headed by Andrew Ijegbai, the Edo State Commissioner for Mining, found shocking evidence of environmental degradation and life-threatening activities in the areas.
Ijegbai, who expressed shock at the findings, condemned the illegal mining operations and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to eradicating unlawful activities in the mining sector.
The commissioner stated, “The illegal mining site at Erhua was found to be operating close to the federal road and openly excavating under high-tension power lines, posing significant risks to the community.
“The other illegal mining site at Iruekpen was operating without a licence, without consent from the proper authorities, and with no environmental impact assessment.
“These operations not only degrade the environment but also compromise the safety and well-being of the people living in the affected areas while also posing a threat to the state’s power infrastructure. The governor has directed an investigation and a ban on illegal mining operations in the state. I can assure you that the state is committed to eradicating illegal activities in the mining sector.”
The statement also highlighted the devastating impact of illegal mining on the environment and communities, adding, “We are committed to working with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals to root out these illegal activities and promote sustainable mining practices that benefit our people and our environment.”
The commissioner added that sustainable development and environmental preservation are top priorities for the Edo State Government, which is led by Governor Okpebholo. He pointed out that the state government’s initiatives to stop illicit mining are a component of a larger plan to boost the economy, save the environment, and raise citizens’ standards of life.
He further emphasized that the goals of these initiatives are to ensure the proper transfer of socioeconomic advantages to the state, encourage standardized mining procedures, and stop environmental deterioration.
In addition, the commissioner emphasized that the partnership between the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Edo State Ministry of Mining is an important step in tackling the problems caused by illicit mining operations.
The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development’s Zonal Mines Officer (South-South), Engr. Ganiyu Ajibade; Eugene Okoloise, the Chairman of the Edo State Task Force on the Protection of Government Property; and Omoruyi Ihianle, the Director of Mining, Edo State Ministry of Mining, were among the other officials on the inspection team.
Together, the two ministries hope to fortify regulations, enhance enforcement, and encourage sustainable mining practices that benefit all parties involved.
