Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has assured of an

impending forensic audit of the mining sector as part of efforts to sanitize

the industry and boost investor confidence.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid

Minerals Development, Segun Tomori said, the minister gave the hint during

a meeting with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang disclosed this at the

ministry headquarters in Abuja, adding that the ongoing reforms will lead to

the implementation of technology-driven mechanisms aimed at enhancing

the regulatory framework of the federal government.

Highlighting the importance of Plateau State in the Federal Government’s

plan to develop the mining sector, Alake sought collaboration with governor

Mutfwang to harness the vast solid mineral potential and address the

prevalence of abandoned mining pits, which he noted represent relics of the

colonial era, stressing that, government is working towards creating an

Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Fund to establish a pool of

resources that can be used for remediation efforts, which includes covering

or converting abandoned pits, which pose a danger to our citizens and

communities, into productive uses like irrigation.

In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang commended the zeal and enthusiasm

the Minister has brought to the sector since assuming office and expressed

optimism under Alake’s leadership that Nigeria will unlock the vast potential

of solid minerals to contribute significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic

Product, while, on the security of mining sites, the governor hailed the

mining marshals for their achievements so far, urging the minister to ensure

their proper integration into the state’s security network to stay abreast of

their activities.

Mutfwang also advocated for an improved regulatory framework, up-to-date

data in the mining sector, and federal support to address the issue of

abandoned mining pits in the state.