Worried by large-scale environmental degradation and other hazards in Iragbiji town of Boripe Local Council of Osun State, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, yesterday banned activities of all miners in his domain.

The monarch declared that the outlawing of mining operations had become expedient to protect the town from environmental degradation and other hazards associated with the ecosystem.

A statement by Media Officer to the monarch, Samson Adetayo Aderibigbe, stated that the stoppage of mining operations would enable the reclamation of landmass already degraded by miners.

The ban followed the inspection of mining locations led by the Aragbiji in the company of members of the Aragbiji-in-Council, Baales and other palace staff across several communities within the council.

“The visit was undertaken to assess the condition of areas being utilised by regulated mining operators and to engage directly with their management teams on responsible mining practices, environmental safety and the protection of the host communities.

“During the inspection, Oba Olabomi discovered large-scale land degradation and disruption of the environmental ecosystem. The Aragbiji further banned all mining activities until each of the operators signs an undertaking on ensuring that all lands degraded are reclaimed,” the statement said.