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As part of measures to bring sanity to the mining sector of the economy, the Federal Government and Enugu State have agreed to set up a Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) in the state.
The Eastern Updates understands that this committee will also be responsible for monitoring mining companies’ adherence to environmental standards.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori which was made available to The Eastern Updates.
He explained that the move will intensify partnership to facilitate the development of the mining sector in the coal state.
“Hosting Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, in his office, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake emphasized 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,” the statement quoted the minister as saying.
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On his part, Governor Mbah expressed his administration’s commitment to harnessing his state vast mineral resources in collaboration with the Federal Government.
He appreciated the Minister for his decision to accelerate the state’s plan to set up MIREMCO to address the menace of illegal mining in the state.
“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,” Mbah stated.
It would be recalled that the Minister worried by the menace of illegal mining, had met the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) some weeks ago, where he canvassed for support to the development of the mining sector.
