The Kogi State Government has prohibited all forms of illegal mining across the 21 local government areas of the state.
The discontinuation of illegal mining in the state was revealed by the Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Bashiru Gegu, while informing newsmen on Friday.
“As a collaborating and policy implementation support of the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources for the state, no individual or company is allowed to investigate or carry out mining of any mineral in the state.”
“With the exception that the entities provide licenses from the Federal Government or cooperative certificates for artisanal miners and valid community development agreements.”
“Security officials in the state are expected to move into action by ushering any erring body or company to face the consequences. Those who are mining without the requisite federal government-approved licenses are illegal miners.”
“The state will no longer overlook any form of illegal mining going forward, as those found breaking the law will be charged to court,” Gegu stated.”