says “We are dedicated to sanitizing the mining sector.”.
The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake says two Chinese nationals have been arraigned for illegal gold mining activities in Ondo State.
Alake made this known on his official X handle on Monday, September 2, 2024.
The Minister said that the two Chinese nationals, along with a Nigerian from Kogi State and four other suspects, were apprehended in the Ogunlepa Forest Reserve in Ondo State.
He reiterated his commitment to ridding the mining sector of criminals and illegal activities .
“We are dedicated to sanitizing the mining sector and have recently charged suspected illegal miners arrested in Kogi and Ondo states.
“This includes two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian in Kogi, along with four suspects caught illegally mining gold in Ondo’s Ogunlepa Forest Reserve. All have been charged in the Federal High Court in Abuja.” Alake wrote.
The Minister also highlighted his strategy to tackle illegal mining, which includes strengthening the operations of Mining Marshals through the use of advanced technology and satellite monitoring.
“A key element of my commitment to eliminating illegal mining is enhancing our Mining Marshals’ operations through technology and satellite monitoring,”
He advised illegal miners to cease their activities and take steps to regularize their operations in compliance with the law adding that those who are bent on engaging in unlawful mining activities would face the full wrath of the law.
“I urge anyone involved in illegal mining to comply with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NNMA) and regularize their operations. Our resolve to take decisive action against illegal activities is unwavering, and we will maintain zero tolerance for any form of illegality,”
