Sixteen Chinese nationals and eight Nigerians involved in massive illegal mining were on arrested on Monday in Zurak, Wase Local Government of Plateau State on the orders of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
According to the report by the ministry of Mines and steel development, Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Mines and Steel Development in company of Babagana Monguno (rtd) of NSA and Simon Lalong, Governor of Plateau State visited some illegal mining sites in the richly endowed lead/zinc belt.
Zurak which is a key location of substantial mineral deposits especially lead, zinc, copper, tin, wolframite, tantalite and other base metals has over time recorded several range of illegal mining activities which has led to a huge loss of revenue, minable land and social displacement of the rural communities.
The Minister, in exercise of powers provided in Section 4 of the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act 2007 declared a special mining zone over the lead/zinc in Kampala Zurak, directing the immediate stoppage of all mining activities in the area with the exception of duly licensed miners confirmed by the Mining Cadaster Office.
The report shows that the arrested Nigerians have been in active connivance with non-Nigerians to carry out massive illegal mining in the state thereby depriving the country of revenue adding that their unwholesome activities have also led to environmental degradation and abandoned mine pits.
According to the report, Usman Abubakar (aka Dan China) regarded as one of the most notorious illegal miners in the state was declared wanted by the NSA with all security agencies ordered to fish out and arrest the notorious illegal miner for acts seen as economic sabotage adding that another notable culprit is Geotess Nigeria Limited owned by one Kola Russel Ojo.
Fayemi, in exercise of his powers has directed the shutdown of the operations of Solid Unit Limited and Geotess Nigeria Limited.
Simon Lalong in response lamented the deprivation faced by people of Zurak despite the richness of the mineral resources that surround them stressing that the Federal Government should take necessary measures to curb illegal mining all over Plateau State.
Onyinye Nwachukwu
