Bauchi State Government through the State Ministry of Natural Resources has solicited the support and cooperation of stakeholders in the mining industry in its efforts to sanitise the sector and make it safer and viable.
The call was made by the Commissioner in charge of the Ministry, Muhammad Maiwada Bello while speaking to Journalists in his office on Tuesday.
He said that the state has recorded remarkable successes courtesy of the new mining consent letter policy after its approval and implementation in December 2023.
According to the Commissioner, this is as a result of stopping traditional rulers from signing mining consent until approval and recommendation letters were issued from the Ministry of Natural Resources. .
Maiwada Bello said that the new policy has established a strong synergy between the state government and operators thereby mitigating security challenges affecting mining communities as well as enlighten respective applicants on the importance of community engagement.
He said that, in compliance with the new policy, over 30 companies intending to operate within the state have so far been captured in the Ministry’s database, successfully served with consent clearance and made formal documentation with the ministry.
He further stated that the ministry used the documentation period to educate perspective investors on the importance of community engagement and evironmental challenges, security as well as safety.
He advised all the parties involved to join hands with the Ministry to develop the sector for the benefits of all.
He however noted that, the move is gradually making the state one of the excellent centres for mining investment in the country because it gives a great avenue to showcase the available mineral resources to investors with the aim of attracting larger investments.
In addition to this, Maiwada Bello also revealed that the policy gives the state government an insight into the identity of the investors coming to the state and their location of operation, establishing a mutual relationship among all the affected parties and leading to the smooth running of their operation across the state.
While calling on the investors, community leaders and other key players to fully comply with the new policy, the Commissioner re-affirmed the determination of Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration to collaborate with all the relevant stakeholders especially the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral Development to transform mining sector in Bauchi State for job creation and economic growth.
Bello had during the press briefing, 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.
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