The federal government has warned mine operators against unguided use of explosive at their sites in Zamfara.
This came after the federal government lifted the ban on mining exploration and issued a new operational procedures to guide mining activities in the state.
Abunumah Samuel, mines officer and secretary of the Zamfara State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), said this at a one-day stakeholders’ meeting with quarry operators, mineral processors and gold dealers, on Wednesday in Gus.
Mr Samuel urged interested operators to visit its Abuja office with their applications to secure the licenses.
The federal government, in January 2019, banned mining operations in Zamfara at the height of insecurity and illegal mining activities.
“Now, the present administration has lifted the ban after it fashioned out operational procedures under which the mining companies will pay royalties, provide basic social amenities to host communities and mitigate environmental hazards,” he said.
He expressed concern over the indiscriminate circulation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the state, ravaged by terrorism.
According to Mr Samuel, the ministry is working with security agencies to ensure compliance.
“We are working hand-in-hand with the Explosive Ordinance of the Nigerian Police Force, very soon, they will come up with their position whether this IEDs are coming from the miners or some other sources.
“We urge the minerals operators to ensure strict compliance with law governing Quarry Operators, Minerals Processor and Gold Dealers,” he said.
Mr Samuel noted that with lifting of restrictions on mining, the federal government had modified laws to checkmate illegal mining, and advised the operators to ensure strict adherence to the laws and prompt payment of royalties.
“The modified laws have adequately provided operators with all needed guidelines on mining of each of the minerals.”
Kasimu Kaura, Zamfara commissioner for environment, mining and solid minerals, also echoed similar concerns over the mishandling of explosives by mining operators without authorisation.
Mr Kaura was represented by Sunusi Maharazu, director of solid minerals in the ministry.
He lamented the incidents of explosion in parts of the state, adding that the government was evolving mechanisms for proper handling of the explosives.
(NAN)