The Ministry
of Mines and Steel Development has sanctioned no fewer than 20 mining companies
in 2016 over non-compliance with Nigeria’s laws and regulations.
Salim
Salaam, Director, Mines Environmental Compliance Department said this to the
News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Monday.
Mr. Salaam
said that the infractions ranged from failure to conduct Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA), Community Development Agreement (CDA), Environmental
Protection and Rehabilitation Programme (EPRP), first study plan and annual
reclamation statement as provided by law
He said that
four mining companies were sanctioned in Niger State, eight in Calabar, Cross
River, two in Ondo and two in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The director
said that some of the affected companies claimed to be new in the industry,
while others hinged their inability to comply to the high cost.
“Honestly
speaking, the level of mining companies compliance with the ministry’s law and
regulation is very low.
“We have
started a sensitisation programme across all the zones, educating them on why
it is mandatory to adhere to our law to avoid sanctions, ” he said.
The director
said the ministry has come up with a new plan to compile list of defaulters,
who would be given two months grace to comply before imposing appropriate sanctions.
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