FG begins validation of mining operations

The Federal Government has said it will soon begin formalisation of activities of no fewer than 500,000 artisanal and small-scale miners with a view to checkmating chaotic mining operations in the country.

This followed Federal Government alleged neglect of miners in the South East zone, having accused government of not extending incentives to miners in the zone like their counterparts in other parts of the country, especially in the North.

Coordinator of Miners in the South East, Chief Henry Igboeli, also lamented that intimidation and double taxation by governments of the zone were hindering their activities and urged the federal government to intervene.

Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite stated during an extension service programme organised for registered and performing mining cooperatives, small-scale mining companies and quarrying associations in Enugu that the exercise was to enable them to contribute to the socio-economic development of the rural areas.