The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible mining practices that align with both national and global environmental objectives.
To achieve this goal, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, is committed to collaborating with mining operators to enhance critical environmental practices .
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Mary Ogbe revealed this during a Sensitisation/Workshop programme for Mineral Title Holders, Mining Host Communities and relevant stakeholders at Keffi, Nasarawa State, North-Central, Nigeria.
Represented by the Director Mines Environmental Compliance Department of the Ministry, Dr. Vivian Okono; the Permanent Secretary educated stakeholders on environmental obligations, stressing, it is not just a regulatory requirement, but strict adherence to best environmental practices.
Dr. Ogbe emphatically stated: ”Understanding and fulfilling our environmental obligations is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental aspect of responsible mining. Our duty extends beyond mere compliance; it encompasses a commitment to proactive environmental stewardship . We will delve into the specific obligations that Mining companies must adhere to, and explore best practices for meeting these requirements effectively”.
Elaborating further, the Permanent Secretary stated that the Ministry organised the sensitisation programme to broaden the horizon of participants around four interlinked topics of immense importance to the mining industry.
These, according to her, include climate change, the environmental obligations of mining companies, community and social issues and the effective operationalization of the Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Fund (EPRF).
”Each of these elements plays a critical role in ensuring that our mining practices are sustainable, responsible, and aligned with both national and global environmental goals”, the Permanent Secretary added.
In his remarks, Mr. Hudu Tafida, Chairman State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) enjoined Mining operators (Mineral Title Holders) and Host Communities to seek dialogue as the best solution to resolving conflicts.
This, according to him, is one of the crucial roles of the MIREMCO at State level -ptomoting harmonious working relationships between the mining companies and host Communities.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Chairman of Miners Association of Nigeria, Nasarawa State Chapter; Mr. Yusuf Randaf posited that the sensitisation program will be beneficial to both mining companies and host Communities, in its quest to ensure development and exploitation of mineral resources in a sustainable and orderly manner.
The highpoint of the sensitisation program focused on specific obligations and best industry practices captured vividly during presentations by Desk Officers in Mines Environmental Compliance Department of the Ministry- these include environmental obligations of mineral title holders, community development agreement in the mining sector, environmental protection and rehabilitation fund, legal perspectives of community development agreement and, mining activities and climate change.
Oyenike Oyeniyi
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