The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, yesterday, hinted at an impending forensic audit of the mining sector as part of efforts to sanitise the industry and boost investor’s confidence.
  
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, disclosed this in Abuja, during a meeting with the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang.  Alake stated that ongoing reforms would result in the implementation of technology-driven mechanisms to enhance the regulatory framework of the Federal Government.
   
He said: “I can reveal that we are going to embark on a forensic audit of the entire sector. We are collaborating with the Ministry of Science and Technology on satellite imaging, in line with the directive of Mr President. 
  
“This will assist in monitoring activities at mining sites, and consequently, bolster our capacity to effectively secure the mining environment.” Highlighting the importance of Plateau State in the 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.

The minister, in a statement by its Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, added: “We are working towards creating an Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Fund to establish a pool of resources that can be used for remediation efforts. This includes covering or converting abandoned pits, which pose a danger to our citizens and communities, into productive uses like irrigation.”
  
In his remarks, Mutfwang commended the enthusiasm the minister has brought to the sector since assuming office.  He expressed optimism that under Alake’s leadership, Nigeria would unlock the vast solid minerals to better the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
  
On 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 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.