Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra State Government has issued a statement suspending all forms of mining activities in different parts of the state.
Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, made the announcement yesterday, noting that the suspension followed the reckless, unauthorised and illegal mining activities going on at various sites within the State.
Nwosu said the State Government has directed that all Mining activities in the State should be suspended until further notice, adding that severe sanctions and punishments await anyone that flouts the order.
It read: “The attention of the Anambra State Government has been drawn to the reckless, unauthorised and illegal mining activities going on at various sites within the State.
“In the the light of the above, Anambra State Government has directed that all Mining activities in Anambra State should be suspended immediately until further notice.
“This is contained in a letter written and signed by the Anambra State Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Sylvia Chika Ifemeje to the Chairman, Miners Association of Nigeria, Anambra State Branch; and a Public Notice jointly signed by Barr Anthony Ifeanya, Commissioner for Petroleum and Solid Minerals; Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu, Commissioner for Environment; Prof. Charles O. Ofoegbu, Managing Director, Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Ltd. and Prof. Sylvia Chika Ifemeje, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
“These Mining activities are being carried on in total disregard of the extant Mining Act, 2007, and the Anambra State Environmental Management, Protection and Administration Law, 2024, the Environmental Protection Laws and Guidelines.
“Consequently, the mining activities have occasioned untold devastation, vandalization, and degradation of the lands of the host communities, and caused various health and environmental hazards to the indigenes of the host communities.
“Therefore, the State Government has directed immediate suspension of all mining activities by all Miners without exception, pending clearance with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and Ministry of Environment, Anambra State.
“Please note that defaulters of this Public Notice shall be met with severe sanctions which may include arrest and criminal prosecution.”
