From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos
The Federal Ministry for Mines and Power has urged youths in Plateau State, who engage in mining activities, to form cooperative and obtain mining licence from the federal government.
The Mining Officer in charge of North Central Zone, Abubakar Muhammed, made the call on Saturday in Jos, while flagging off a public enlightenment campaign on the danger associated with illegal mining in Kuru, Jos South local government area of Plateau State.
According to Muhammed, “So many Plateau youths have found a means of livelihood in mining of tin and columbite, but they have been doing so illegally.
“Government never prevented any Nigerian from mining; government is only insisting that due process be followed.
“We want to let youths in the state know that all solid minerals in the country belong exclusively to the federal government and no one is allowed to mine it until a licence is obtained from the federal government.
“Government is also aware of the lives lost in the course of illegal mining in the state, which is why the ministry is encouraging youths to form themselves into cooperatives, to enable them obtain licences and all other necessary incentives attached to licensed miners in the country.
Muhammed called on the paramount ruler of Kuru to join government in the campaign to stop illegal mining in the community, so as to protect revenue potential for governments and traditional rulers.
State chairman of the Public Enlightenment Committee, Senator Davou Zang, said, “No one is stopping the youths from indulging in mining of mineral resources in their community, all we are saying is there are due processes to be followed.”
