In response to the recent collapse of an illegal mine in Gashaka-Gunti National Park, Adamawa State, the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has issued a warning to Nigerians about the dangers of illegal mining.
He highlighted the severe risks posed to lives, the environment, and the economy, stressing the need for safer practices in the mining sector.
Alake, expressing grave concern, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in solid minerals development and closer partnership with the National Parks Service to prevent similar tragedies.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Segun Tomori, Alake urged those currently involved in illegal mining to form recognized cooperatives and seek proper licensing through the Ministry to ensure safety and compliance.
According to technical reports from field inspections, the recent mine collapse was primarily due to a lack of professional skills among artisanal miners.
Alake emphasized that local government authorities must monitor illegal mining within their areas and coordinate with the Ministry’s state offices to establish early warning systems that can help mitigate such incidents.
To combat the dangers of illegal mining and promote awareness, the Ministry has launched educational radio programs in nine Nigerian languages on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and Voice of Nigeria.
These programs aim to inform the public about illegal mining risks and encourage artisanal miners to join cooperatives to gain access to government training and empowerment initiatives.
Alake further referenced the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, which strictly prohibits mining in national parks due to the environmental risks to protected forests, plants, and wildlife.
He shared that the Ministry and the National Parks Service are working together to prevent unauthorized mining in these protected areas and advised National Parks Service officers to report any illegal activities to the nearest Federal Mines Officer for immediate action.
