By Anietie Akpan
Cross River state government has uncovered several illegal mining sites in the state and some culprits have been arrested.
This huge catch is collaborative effort, comprising representatives from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Cross River State Government, under the State Taskforce on Illegal Mining that conducted a comprehensive monitoring operation across various mining sites.
The Taskforce, led by the Federal Mines Officer for Cross River State, Engr Mayowa Omosebi, with the Chairman of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), Dr Otu Archibong and the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mr. Effiom Ekaha promptly cracked down on the illegal miners who were found to be exploiting and degrading mineral reserves in several communities.
Ekaha said that upon receiving intelligence reports, the Governor had instructed a crackdown on illegal mining within the state, in collaboration with federal authorities and recent enforcement operations resulted in the apprehension of suspects engaged in unauthorized mining activities, along with the confiscation of equipment from illicit mining sites.
Furthermore, the Taskforce inspected a vandalized artisanal mineral processing plant, part of the federal government’s economic sustainable plan post-COVID-19 intervention project, established two years ago in Okuku, Yala LGA.
Ekaha expressed dismay at the damage inflicted on the facility, noting its capacity to empower numerous youths if operational.
He underscored the plant’s purpose in encouraging local miners to return to designated sites and discourage mineral imports as Governor Bassey Otu’s administration’s intolerance towards illegal mining operations was emphasized, with a call for all mining entities in the state to undergo profiling by the government for security purposes.
During the operation, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Moses Osogi, and the State Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Obono (Rtd.), emphasized the objective of addressing environmental degradation, economic repercussions, and security threats posed by illegal mining activities and their perpetrators.
The state government affirmed its unwavering commitment to curbing illegal mining to prevent further harm to the ecosystem and surrounding areas.
Engr Omosebi and Dr Archibong, asserted that the collaborative Taskforce would bolster efforts to combat the escalating incidence of illegal mining in the state.
They highlighted the potential environmental sabotage and long-term consequences on the local ecosystem and communities resulting from unchecked mining activities.
Key highlights of the Taskforce operations included visits to an illegal quarry site in Njua Bano, Boki LGA, the federal government’s artisanal facility in Okuku Yala LGA, and an unauthorized sand dredging site in Mfom 2, Yala LGA, operated by individuals from other states without government knowledge.
