Sule Aliyu, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government says it has recorded successes in tackling illegal mining, courtesy of the new mining consent letter policy implemented in January.
State Commissioner of Natural Resources, Muhammad Maiwada Bello in a statement by the Information Officer of the ministry, Saleh Umar which was made available to journalists in Bauchi said the ban on traditional rulers from signing mining consent until approval and recommendation letters were issued by the Ministry, contributed to the successes recorded in the mining sector in the state
According to the Commissioner, the state government has recorded remarkable success regarding the new mining consent letter policy after its approval and implementation from December 2023 to date.
He noted that this great feat recorded In the mining sector was made possible as a result of stoping traditional rulers from signing mining consent until approval and recommendation letters were issued from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Hon Bello said that the ministry has established a strong synergy between the state govt and operators, thereby mitigating security challenges affecting mining communities as well as enlightening respective applicants on the importance of community engagement.
He said, in compliance with the new policy, over 30 companies intended to operate in the state have so far been captured in the ministry’s data base, successfully served with consent clearance and made formal documentation with the ministry.
He further stated that the ministry used the documentation period to educate prospective investors on the importance of Community engagement, environmental challenges and their safety.
The Commissioner who also advised stakeholders to join hands with the ministry to develop the sector for the benefit of all, noted that the move is gradually making the state one of the excellent center for mining investment in the country.
Hon Bello further informed that initiative enable the government to showcase the available mineral resources to investors with the aim of attracting larger investments.
He also revealed that the policy has given the state government an insight about the identity of the investors coming to the state and their location of operation, establishing a mutual relationship among all the affected parties leading to smooth running of their operation across the state.
The Commissioner who called on the investors, Community leaders and other key players to fully comply with the new policy, re-affirmed the determination of governor Bala’s administration to collaborate with all the relevant stakeholders especially the federal Ministry of Solid mineral Development to transform the mining sector in Bauchi State for job creation and economic growth.
Hon Bello noted that the state government will soon organize a sensitization workshop for local government administrators, traditional rulers, investors in addition to relevant stakeholders on the importance of the new policy. End