Monday, 21 August 2017

Only One Company is Authorized to Mine, in Zurak – Minister

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi has said that only one company has mining lease to carry out mining activity in Zurak, Wase Local Government of Plateau State.
The Minister stated this during a meeting with leaders of the community shortly after 16 Chinese and 8 Nigerians were arrested for illegal mining in the area and the shutting down of two companies notorious for illegal mining.
The Minister who reiterated government’s commitment to discouraging the activities of illegal miners and its environmental degradation, urged the community and its leadership not to collaborate with unauthorised persons or groups carrying out illegal mining in their domain.
The Minister said; “The minority in your community are colluding with these criminal gangs that have taken over your land, enough is enough.
“In our record, and by the special grace of God and the authority of Mr. President, it is my duty to sign all mining licenses in Nigeria, no one else has that authority and I can tell you as I stand here that only one company has a mining lease in the whole of these area.
“That company is called Tongay, there is no other company, whether it is called solid unit, or it’s called geotess or it’s called anything”, the Minister added.
The Minister’s position was contrary to claims by one of the companies shut in the wake of the visit by the Minister and the National Security Adviser, Brig. Gen Babagana Munguno to Zurak that it had a valid license.
Dr Fayemi insisted that his office never authorised Dan China’s company to carry out mining activities in the area.

http://www.minesandsteel.gov.ng/2017/08/21/only-one-company-is-authorized-to-mine-in-zurak-minister/

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