The federal government has approved plans to set up Enugu state’s Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) to monitor the activities of mining companies.
The government said that this will enhance effective compliance with environmental standards by mining operators in Enugu state.
This move, according to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake is to intensify collaboration between federal and state governments to enhance the development of the mining sector in the coal-rich state.
The minister disclosed this on Friday while hosting Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, in his office in Abuja.
Alake emphasised the state’s historic economic significance during the colonial era and highlighted its potential for renewed economic prominence through solid minerals.
“Now that we have our own independence of thought and action, Enugu is the way to go. We are collaborating with Enugu and other states to ensure that the benefits accruable from the solid minerals sector are available to all Nigerians,” Alake stated.
Governor Mbah stressed that his administration’s commitment to harnessing Enugu’s vast mineral resources in partnership with the Federal Government prompted his visit to the Minister.
He applauded the Minister for accelerating the state’s plan to set up MIREMCO to address the menace of illegal mining.
“The minute the Minister received my application on setting up MIREMCO, he immediately called the relevant officer and mandated him to ensure the process for the establishment of the committee is fast-tracked. We believe that with the setting up of MIREMCO in Enugu, we will be able to curb the activities of illegal miners and those racketeering licenses,” Gov. Mbah said.
Recently the Minister met with the 36 Governors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), where he sued for cooperation with the sub-nationals to enhance the development of the mining sector.
The parley with Gov. Mbah is in furtherance of engagements to bolster partnerships with sub-nationals to foster a conducive environment for mining operations across the country.
