Governor Bassey Otu has expressed concerns over non-adherence to laws governing mining and quarrying activities in the state.
Mr Otu said this in a statement by his chief press secretary, Linus Obogo, in Calabar on Monday.
He said that it was improper for mining and quarrying companies to operate without recourse to extant regulations.
The governor said that Executive Order No. 1 of 2024, which regulated mining and quarrying activities across the state, was being flagrantly violated.
Mr Otu said that individuals and companies involved in mining operations in the state should be properly profiled.
“The aim is to protect host communities from insecurity and exploitation while promoting responsible mining and ensuring that the state receives surface rent revenues.
“Many operators have continued to conduct mining activities in clear violation of government regulations and directives,” he said.
The governor stated that some miners had defied government regulations to implement questionable development agreements with host communities.
“The state government has identified cases where mining operations are carried out without identifiable documentation. This is weakening oversight and exposing communities to serious risks,” he said.
Mr Otu said that the state government had ordered every mining and quarrying company in the state to get profiled between March 16 and April 16.
“Mining and quarrying operators must present valid identification, corporate documents, mining licences, statutory approvals and agreements with host communities.
He warned that after the deadline, any mining site found to be operating without being profiled would be shut down.
“Such operators will also face full sanctions as prescribed in the laws regulating mining activities in the state,” he said.
The governor urged community leaders to support the implementation of the regulatory measures in the interest of security and development.
(NAN)