Fed Govt promises sustainable, responsible mining.

The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has assured operators in the sector that it will ensure sustainable and responsible mining in line with national and global environmental goals.

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ada Ogbe, said this during a sensitization/workshop program for mineral title holders, mining host communities, and relevant stakeholders at Keffi, the Nasarawa State capital.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the ministry’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, said Dr. Ogbe expressed the commitment of the Federal Government to collaborate with mining operators to imbibe critical environmental practices.

The permanent secretary, who was represented by the Director Mines Environmental Compliance Department of the Ministry, Dr. Vivian Okono, educated stakeholders on environmental obligations.

She explained that it was not just a regulatory requirement but strict adherence to best environmental practices that was necessary.

“Understanding and fulfilling our environmental obligations is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental aspect of responsible mining. Our duty extends beyond mere compliance; it encompasses a commitment to proactive environmental stewardship.

“We will delve into the specific obligations that mining companies must adhere to and explore best practices for meeting these requirements effectively,” Dr. Ogbe said.

According to her, the ministry organized the sensitization program to broaden the horizon of participants around four interlinked topics of immense importance to the mining industry. These, she said, included climate change, the environmental obligations of mining companies, community, and social issues, and the effective operationalization of the Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Fund (EPRF).

“Each of these elements plays a critical role in ensuring that our mining practices are sustainable, responsible, and aligned with both national and global environmental goals,” Dr. Ogbe added.