The Federal Government has ordered illegal miners to vacate all sites in Zamfara State, effective immediately, due to a recent lead poisoning outbreak in Bugundu Local Government Area of the State.
Recall that Zamfara State in 2009 recorded a devastating case of lead poisoning in which over 700 children died according to reports by Doctors without Borders.
Following the recent outbreak, Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, announced that all mining activities in the State remain suspended until new standard operating procedures were released through a statement by the Ministry.
The Minister attributed the lead poisoning outbreak experienced earlier in the State to traditional and local institutions allowing illegal miners to operate in their areas, defying a six-year ban on mining in the State.
Alake emphasised that the incident highlights the need for the concerned institutions to enforce Government directives and protect citizens.
To address the situation, Alake noted the Ministry would collaborate with experts to recommend interventions to prevent future incidents; develop comprehensive standard operating procedures for mining in Zamfara and deploy satellite technology to monitor mining activities nationwide.
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While commending the Zamfara State Government for deploying emergency services to the affected areas, he demanded increased collaboration between States and Ministry officials to eradicate illegal mining, stressing the importance of protecting innocent lives endangered by illegal mining activities.
Alake, however, said that the Ministry would release the new standard operating procedures, which would cover; existing and new mining license holders, compliance with community development agreements ad well as beneficiation and remediation efforts to overhaul the mining sector.
He added that Federal Government’s swift response was aimed to prevent further incidents and ensure responsible mining practices in Zamfara State and other States of the Federation.
