The Edo State Ministry of Mining in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development on Wednesday shut down two illegal mining sites in the state.
This was disclosed on Friday in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Ministry of Mining, Grace Oakhiena.
According to the statement, the sites in Erhua Community near Ehor in Edo South and Iruekpen communities in Edo Central were shut down after an inspection. The sites were also found to be operating without proper licenses and in blatant disregard for environmental regulations and mining ethics.
The inspection team which was led by the state Commissioner for Mining, Andrew Ijegbai, found evidence of environmental degradation and life-threatening activities in the areas.
Ijegbai, who expressed shock at the development, condemned the illegal mining operations, affirming the state’s commitment to eradicating illegal activities in the mining sector in the state.
The commissioner noted that the impact of illegal mining on our environment and communities cannot be overemphasised and express the state’s commitment to work with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals to root out illegal activities and promote sustainable mining practices.
“The illegal mining site at Erhua was found to be operating close to the Federal Road and openly excavating under high-tension lines, posing significant risks to the community.
“The other illegal mining site at Iruekpen was operating without a license, no consent from proper authorities and 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, coupled with posing a threat to the state’s power infrastructure. Governor Monday Okpehbolo has given the directives to investigate and ban illegal mining operations in the state,” Ijegbai said.
