FG implores mining operators to collaborate with state govts, host communities

THE Federal Government, on Tuesday, implored operators in the mining sector to collaborate with State Governments and the host communities so as to ensure that revenues accruing from mining activities were in consonance with government’s overall diversification plans.

Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, made this clarion call in a press statement issued and signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Olayinka Oyebode, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja.

During his facility tour of Dangote Cement’s plant and limestone quarry in Ibese, the Larfarge Cement’s plant and limestone quarry in Ewekoro in Ogun State, Dr Fayemi was of the view that such synergy would promote environmental safety.

Environmental safety has been a major issue many host communities had with mining operators. He expressed satisfaction with the cement companies’ level of environmental compliance notwithstanding the huge size of their operations.

The minister noted the tour of the plants and quarries was a knowledge building process from which many lessons were learnt.

Dr Fayemi said that despite availability of diverse mineral deposits in Nigeria, the gap in value addition still remained a source of concern.

He, however, said that government was working hard to ensure that the success recorded in cement production is replicated in other aspects of mining.

This, according to him, has informed government’s decision to halt the export of unprocessed minerals from the country, while making the setting up of processing plants as necessary conditions for prospective investors in its huge minerals endowment.

The minister added that the condition also comes with some other incentives for the investors, aimed at making the Nigerian mining sector attractive to renowned investors.

Aside emphasizing environmental safety, the Minister also urged the cement manufacturing giants to set up training schemes for young graduates and technicians to gain relevant trainings and exposures to modern technology, which will in turn ease the burden of over dependence on expatriates.