The Bauchi State government has stated that it was committed to checkmating illegal mining activities and ensuring that all mining companies comply with set guidelines.
State commissioner for natural resources Muhammad Maiwada Bello stated this when he visited various mining sites in parts of the state.
According to him, sanitising mining operations is crucial as it could help boost the economy of the state and increase government’s revenues.
Bello, emphasized the administration’s resolve to implement stringent measures to curb illegal mining activities.
“We are introducing innovative approaches to tackle illegal mining operations and streamline activities with the ultimate goal of enhancing our state’s internal revenue.”, he stated.
The commissioner asked every mining company to work closely with his ministry, adhere to provided protocols and operate within the framework of Community Development Agreements (CDAs) for the benefits of themselves, host communities and the state as a whole.
He also reiterated the need for miners to obtain necessary licenses spanning federal, state, and local government levels to ensure seamless operations.
Our correspondent reports that the local government areas visited by the commissioner to inspect mining sites include; Darazo, Misau, Shira, and Jama’are and was accompanied by caretaker chairman of Shira local government, majority leader of the state house of assembly, chairman assembly committee on mining, deputy chairmen of Darazo and Misau local governments among others.