Kogi : Mining Marshals Intercepts 10 Trucks With Mineral Resources

In efforts to curb illegal mining across the country, the Mining Marshals have cracked down ten trucks carrying minerals Resources in Kogi state.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Special Assistant on media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Segun Tomori in Abuja.

According to the statement, the move is part of the Minister of Solid Minerals’ 7-point agenda to sanitise the mining sector.

The statement says the Mining Marshals arrested the 10 suspects along the Itobe-Ajokuta Road in Kogi State.

“The suspects have been charged to court and are pending arraignment. The directors of the companies involved have also been invited for questioning, and appropriate actions will be taken against them as prescribed by law.”

According to the statement the suspects were found with Minerals lacking the necessary documentation, contravening the Minerals and MiningAct 2007 and Mining Regulations 2011.

The statement explains that Investigations revealed that the suspects purchased the minerals from illegal miners in Kogi State without evidence of legal mining titles, records, or payment of royalties.

“Some companies were also found to have illegally engaged third-party agents to purchase minerals from the “Awulu” community in Ankpa LGA, Kogi State.”

“The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, has vowed to continue the operation on a full scale to achieve full compliance with the existing laws and regulations guiding the mining sector in Nigeria.”

It emphasises the need for all stakeholders to support the efforts of the Minister of Solid Minerals to sanitise the Nigerian mining sector.

“This development marks a significant step towards restoring sanity in the nation’s mining sector and ensuring that mineral resources are exploited in accordance with the law.”

PR/Georgina Humphre