Group urges government to include other minerals in national statistics

The Small Scale, Artisanal Miners Association of Nigeria (SAMAN) has called on the Federal Government to include some mineral resources not accounted for exploration in the national statistics of the country.

Chairman of the association, Nasiru Wada in Abuja said that many minerals are not recognised in the sector for proper planning and no revenue accrued to the government from such natural assets.

He added that with the small-scale mining subsector being developed and the entire mining industry receiving attention, there is hope it would add value to minerals produced and address the issue of mineral flight.

Wada also explained that artisanal small miners were unorganised, most minerals produced are not accounted for, and the group produces about 70 percent to 80 percent of the minerals found in the market place and those for export.

“Though they are largest employers of labour, there are boundless economic potentials and opportunities in the sector, which has suffered gross neglect by successive governments over the years,” he stressed.