• Why FG Must Criminalise Illicit Mining Of Nation’s Mineral Resources 

The Federal Government has been urged to formulate new policies to criminalise illegal mining activities across the country given the threat the menace poses to the nation’s economic growth.

The Guardian gathered that the development of a robust framework for responsible mining practices and the provision of alternative livelihood opportunities for communities previously relying on illegal mining are also part of strategies to deter further escalation of this issue.

Through concerted actions and cooperation from all stakeholders, it is believed that the dangers posed by illegal mining will be significantly reduced, ensuring a safer and more secure future for all.

Public affairs analysts also told The Guardian that it was high time both federal and state governments fully tapped into the potential the industry holds, and use the proceeds to boost the economy, instead of abandoning it to private and faceless characters.

Experts, who frowned at the havoc illegal miners have wreaked on the environment across the country, especially the recent explosion in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, which claimed lives and destroyed properties worth billions of naira, regretted that natural resources that should have been used to build good health facilities, alleviate poverty, improve the education system and generally develop the country were being harnessed by unscrupulous individuals for personal gain.

Alake expressed shock at the culture of silence exhibited by residents of Dejo Oyelese Close on Adeyi Avenue, Bodija, Ibadan which allowed people of questionable character to live among them for years without anybody reporting until the January 16, 2024 horrendous blast claimed lives and destroyed property.

He said: “My own shock as an individual, as a Nigerian and not as a Minister is how these kinds of explosives could be stored in a residential area for years (not a slum, but a high profile environment), where you have informed individuals. In terms of enlightenment; in terms of civic responsibility unlike Beere, or Adeoyo slums, there should have been suspicion of untoward movements or activities. You do not need to go and tell your neighbor. The people here have enough clout to reach the authorities.

“That is my personal shock that residents could harbour such people here for years. And that speaks to our alertness, our consciousness about our environment and Nigeria at large. All of us need to be safety conscious. The people who perform all these atrocious acts and negative tendencies live among us and we should report them. There is no way residents of a particular community will not know that so and so person(s) is/are engaging in an untoward act.

“These days, almost all the security agencies have numbers that you can reach and submit your information anonymously without disclosing your identity. And the kernel of the information will be useful to prevent this kind of occurrence. It is about time in this country that we began to develop this kind of consciousness, reporting the culture of our environment. Armed robbers, kidnappers, ritualists- all live among us, but this culture of silence always boomerang against us as a people.”

Following the effect of explosives in Oyo State, stakeholders in the mining sector are now reiterating on the need to use explosives that pose considerably less risk compared to traditional dynamite in construction projects and mining activities.

Recall that on Tuesday, January 16, five people lost their lives, 77 were hospitalised and many houses damaged due to an explosion caused by illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija, Ibadan. Investigations revealed that explosive devices stored in the house by the illegal miners caused the blast.

It was gathered that in the push for a safer environment, stakeholders from various sectors, including government bodies, non-governmental organisations, and concerned citizens are joining forces to put an end to this illegal practice.

The development of a robust framework for responsible mining practices and the provision of alternative livelihood opportunities for communities previously relying on illegal mining are also part of strategies to deter further escalation of this issue.

Through concerted actions and cooperation from all stakeholders, it is believed that the dangers posed by illegal mining will be significantly reduced, ensuring a safer and more secure future for all.

An industry player based in Kano State, John Obiedu, who said that the illegal miners were harnessing the country’s alternative source of income aside from crude oil, regretted that billions of naira that would have accrued to the Federal Government were being siphoned through the escapades of corrupt individuals who profit from the illegal mining operations.

The Guardian learnt that though Nigeria’s mining sector is worth $700 billion and boasts 44 different types of commercially viable minerals, the activities of these illegal operators were depriving the government of the revenue. Meanwhile, the government seems to be helpless in bringing the criminals to book.

This was attested to last December by the Minister of Solid Mineral, Dele Alake, while defending his ministry’s 2024 budget at the floor of the House of Representatives.

He lamented that powerful Nigerians were involved in illegal mining, adding that they were also responsible for other criminal activities, including sponsoring banditry and terrorism.

Investigations show that illegal mining is thriving unabated in many states of the country such as Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Plateau, Imo, Niger, Enugu, among others. It was learnt that the menace was posing security threats and other dangers to the people of Plateau State. It was also learnt that the mining activities, thriving in Kang’a Chit community, Zawan District in Jos South Council of the state is endangering lives of the people.

Besides, the unauthorised mining activities are threatening food security in the state, as most farmers have abandoned their farms because of the quick daily income that comes from the illegal mining business.

Also, the community faces the likelihood of flooding owing to many deep holes and craters caused by the miners, especially with the waterways surrounding the area.

Residents of the community, who pleaded for anonymity, said the state government was aware of the development but was watching helplessly. They said the mining site is situated close to the major road where the operators could be seen while working.

One of the residents, who gave his name as Ahmad, said they were struggling to cope with the development because it is more like a time bomb that may explode when least expected.

“Do we say the government is afraid to stop them? Or do we say the government is benefitting from their activities? Or do we conclude that some government officials have people in the business? Only God can save us from these people,” he said.

Ahmad explained that the illegal miners have created numerous holes in the area to the extent that children find it difficult to pass through when going to school.

He disclosed that some of the residents have temporarily withdrawn their children from school till when things normalise.

He added that the residents have tried severally to stop the operators but discovered that it is not possible because the miners can stop at nothing to hurt whoever attempts to stop their business.

Ahmad and other residents passionately appealed to well-meaning individuals and the government to come to their rescue by putting a stop to the illicit operation, saying it was absurd for such an activity to go on in urban areas in the state.

Though no death has been recorded, according to The Guardian investigations, the residents expressed fears that there could be loss of lives in the future if the government fails to intervene now.

When The Guardian visited the site, it was observed that close to 300 dangerous holes had been dug by the illegal miners. It was also observed that the artisanal miners might not be willing to leave the business soon due to the daily return, especially with the current economic hardship in the country.

It was learnt that a module of tin milk of the substance sells for about N7, 000 and a miner could get between N21, 000 to N28, 000 daily.

“So, asking them to stop it through government fiat will be seen as asking them to go to hell,” a source said.

Hundreds of youths working at the mining site argued the job had stopped them from robbery, thuggery, theft and all other social vices, noting that stopping them is like inviting unrest in the area.

They suggested that for them to quit mining, the state government must compensate them handsomely.

The Guardian also gathered that at a time, one of the miners dug to a level where he suddenly appeared in somebody’s sitting room, a development that caused an uproar and disaffection in the area.

A police source confirmed the development, but added that it is only when the government pronounces the activity as illegal that the police can enforce any arrest.

Nevertheless, a representative of the State Commissioner for Environment, who spoke off-record, said the illicit mining could not be allowed to continue because of its devastating effect on the environment.

The official added that the government of the day wants to save the lives of the youths by stopping them from doing that.

At the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development in Jos, an insider source told The Guardian that the government was losing fortunes to illegal mining. Meanwhile, the Commissioners for Information and Communications, Bashir Lawandi Datti and Solid Mineral Development, could not be reached.

In Imo State, there were reported cases of illegal sand excavation, oil pipeline vandalisation and siphoning of crude in some parts of Egbema in Ohaji/Egbema local council.

The recent oil pipeline explosion occurred in Obitti, Egbema, where about three persons, a trailer and farm produce got burnt due to ther explosion caused by illegal siphoning of crude oil.

Governor Hope Uzodimma, and the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Eugene Dibiagwu, during their separate visits to the site recently, regretted the incident, warning the perpetrators to desist from the economic sabotage.

Dibiagwu, who represents Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Ori West Federal Constituency, met with the monarch of Obitti autonomous community and representatives of the villages in the area, where security strategies for forestalling further incidents were discussed.

Recall that in 2022, in Abezi, Egbema community in the same local council, no fewer than 150 were burnt beyond recognition, as a result of vandalisation of crude oil pipeline and scooping of crude and refining at night. The state government later organised a mass burial at the site after which it fumigated the area.

On the other hand, illegal sand excavation is going on off Aba Road, Owerri, Nekede axis in Owerri West local council, and Njaba River side, Orlu road. The activities of the excavators have caused gully erosion sites at the affected areas.

The state government, through the Ministry of Environment, has severally issued warnings to the defaulters, but they have continued with their activities unperturbed.

The Police spokesperson in the state, Henry Okoye, confirmed the development.

All efforts to speak with the state government were unsuccessful as the governor had dissolved the Commissioners and other political office holders.

Meanwhile, a civic-tech non-governmental organisation, Urban Alert, attributed what it termed weak government agencies as open windows for illegalities, which miners (licensed and illegal) often use to exploit the system.

The organisation in a statement signed by its Communications Associate, Titilade Alayande, while reacting to the explosion in Oyo State, however, called on the government to prioritise the safety of Nigerians by sincerely probing the activities of miners, to avert a repeat of the incident.

“Ultimately, we call on the Federal Government to empower the Federal Ministry of Mines, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the State Ministry of Environment and other relevant bodies to streamline coordination and collaboration among these agencies to foster a more cohesive and integrated approach to mining oversight.

“By working together, these institutions can share information, leverage expertise and collectively address the complexities of enforcing safety standards and regulations within the mining industry. We must safeguard the environment and fulfill our responsibility towards protecting Nigerians,” the group said.

To secure solid minerals in the country, the President Bola Tinubu established an inter-ministerial committee to draw up a blueprint for securing the country’s natural resources, including solid minerals, forests, and marine economy.

The inter-ministerial committee, which is chaired by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abass lawal; Marine and Blue Economy Minister, Gboyega Oyetola; Defence Minister, Abubakar Badaru: Interior Minister, Hon. Tunji Olubunmi-Ojo and his Police Affairs (state) counterpart, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

Security agencies represented by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun; Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi; representatives of Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Naval staff, Air-Vice Marshall Abdulkadir Abubakar and Rear Admiral I. Abbas, respectively, among others.

Illegal rock blasting and mining entail the extraction of valuable minerals and rocks from unauthorised sites, often bypassing safety regulations and environmental protection measures.

These activities frequently occur in densely populated areas or in close proximity to residential communities, putting innocent lives at risk.

The innovation to address the challenge of explosives in Nigeria is to ensure increased safety measures while maintaining efficiency and effectiveness for various industries, including mining, tunneling, and infrastructure development. The emergence of these explosives has the potential to transform the approach construction, reducing hazards and enhancing worker well-being.

Since the inception of dynamite in the mid-19th century, it has played a pivotal role in shaping modern construction and mining practices. However, the inherent dangers of dynamite have long been a concern, predominantly due to its sensitivity to heat, friction, and shock impact. To mitigate these risks and enhance safety measures, researchers and engineers came together to develop advanced mining explosives.

These cutting-edge explosives provide numerous advantages over dynamite, primarily in terms of safety during the mining blasting activities. Their reduced sensitivity to friction ensures minimised incidents of accidental detonation.

Additionally, they have a higher degree of tolerance to shockwaves, making them less prone to initiation in case of accidental impact. This substantial difference ensures that construction workers can handle these explosives with greater peace of mind, knowing the likelihood of accidents occurring has significantly diminished.

Furthermore, the production of the new mining explosives, in early 1990, focuses on reducing toxic emissions and environmental impact. With a gradually growing emphasis on sustainable development and environmentally conscious practices, this aspect offers a notable advantage over traditional dynamite. The mining explosives release fewer harmful substances into the atmosphere, providing a more eco-friendly alternative for various industries around the globe.

Another impressive characteristic of these innovative explosives lies in their efficiency and effectiveness. They are designed to deliver greater energy output, resulting in quicker and more precise excavation. This enhanced performance allows for increased productivity, accelerated construction timelines, and improved project completion rates, making them an appealing choice for construction companies worldwide.

Looking ahead, the extensive implementation of these safer mining explosives is expected to revolutionise the construction and mining industries. The reduced risk of accidents and injuries will translate into cost savings for companies, ensuring compliance with stringent safety regulations and maintaining workers’ well-being on construction sites.

These groundbreaking explosives provide a significantly safer alternative to traditional dynamite, with reduced sensitivity to friction, shockwaves, and accidental initiation. Moreover, they offer advantages in terms of environmental impact and enhanced productivity, making them an attractive choice for construction projects of all scales. As this new technology continues to gain traction, construction sites can evolve into safer working environments, benefitting workers and companies alike.

Speaking to The Guardian anonymously, an expert shed light on the use of explosives in Nigeria’s mining sector, aiming to dispel fears and provide clarity on the subject. The expert emphasised that the term ‘explosive’ often creates unnecessary fear and panic owing to its association with destruction and danger. However, there are multiple types of explosives, each serving different purposes.

“The Nigerian government banned the use of dynamite in 1990. Instead, the mining sector relies on slowly explosive, a controlled and economic mixture of mono energy and water. This type of explosive, regulated by the mining ministry, is not as destructive as dynamite and is primarily utilised to produce essential materials.

“However, neighbouring countries still import and use dynamite, a more effective explosive for certain applications. Unfortunately, this has resulted in illegal imports of dynamite into Nigeria, which poses a significant security concern. Recent incidents of explosion in Oyo State and arrest of exporters into Lagos and Cross River states have highlighted the need for heightened vigilance in curbing the entry of these powerful explosives.”

To ensure the safe and responsible use of explosives in mining operations, the expert said: “It is crucial to highlight that explosives used in mining operations undergo a rigorous process before being transported to the mining site. Those who require explosives must apply to the ministry of mining and obtain approval from the minister. The ministry then communicates the demand to the manufacturer, who produces the explosives, accordingly. Licensed mining engineers, expert managers, and explosive personnel are required for handling and usage. Information regarding the use and results of the previous explosive must be submitted before additional approvals are granted.

“Once approved, the manufacturer must seek authorisation from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) in line with federal government directives. Strict security measures are in place during the transportation of explosives to prevent any leakage or unauthorized access. It is essential to understand that when used in mining operations, explosives pose no threat to the general public. These explosives are specifically designed and controlled for breaking rocks during mining activities, ensuring safety and efficiency.”

The expert’s statement calls for increased security measures and public awareness regarding the safe use and regulation of explosives. It is crucial to prevent illegal imports of explosives, as well as to educate the public about the different types of explosives and their appropriate applications. By doing so, Nigeria’s mining sector can continue to operate effectively, while ensuring the safety and protection of its people.