The Nasarawa State Government has prohibited anyone under the age of 18 from taking part in mining activities anywhere in the state.
Commissioner for Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining Margaret Elayo announced the ban on Friday during a press conference in Lafia.
She said the government has also set up a special monitoring and enforcement team to crack down on illegal mining and child labour at mining sites.
The decision came after reports of deaths among suspected illegal miners in Minna, Niger State, and growing worries about the risks mining poses to children.
Elayo noted that children were being used as labourers at artisanal mining sites in parts of the state.
She said the ministry had received reports that sites in Wamba, Nasarawa-Eggon and Kokona local government areas were exposing children to health hazards and keeping them out of school.
The government would no longer tolerate illegal mining that endangers lives or damages the environment, she added.
“Henceforth, no child below the age of 18 is allowed to be found at any mining site in Nasarawa State, either as a labourer, errand runner or food vendor,” Elayo said.
“Any company, site operator or parent found violating this directive will be arrested and prosecuted in line with the Child Rights Law and the mining regulations.”
She urged mining companies to hire only adults aged 18 and above, train them properly and equip them with safety gear. Parents were also warned against bringing their children to mining sites because of the serious health risks involved.
The commissioner said the special team would visit mining communities to arrest people or companies operating without valid licences or government approval.
Enforcement would involve collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders.
Nasarawa is also working with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and other agencies to organise artisanal miners into cooperatives for improved regulation and safety.
Elayo stressed that the ban aims to ensure mining is carried out responsibly and sustainably, not to stop operations altogether.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com