The Edo State Ministry of Mining in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has shut down two illegal mining sites in the state.
A statement on Friday by the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Ministry of Mining, Grace Oakhiena, disclosed that the sites in Erhua Community near Ehor in Edo South and Iruekpen communities in Edo Central were shut down on Wednesday after an inspection.
The statement observed that the affected sites were also found to be operating without proper licenses and in blatant disregard for environmental regulations and mining ethics.
The Edo State state Commissioner for Mining, Andrew Ijegbai, who led the inspection team on the exercise found evidence of environmental degradation and life-threatening activities in the areas.
He expressed shock at the development, condemned the illegal mining operations, and restated the state government’s commitment to eradicating illegal activities in the mining sector.
While stating that the impact of illegal mining on the environment and communities cannot be undermined , Ijegbai expressed the willingness of the Monday Okpebholo’s led administration in Edo State to work with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals to root out illegal activities and promote sustainable mining practices.
