The Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake, has ordered the closure of illegal gold mining sites in the Gwagwalda region in the Federal Capital Region (FCT).
Instructions, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Minister’s Assistant in the media, Segun Tomori, following the illegal gold mining report in the area and the determination of the federal government to reduce the potential for environmental hazards.
He said the mining marshal sealed the mining location in the Layout of the District Extension 2 in Gwagwalda on August 16, where 16 suspects were arrested and will soon be prosecuted.
Marshals announced on August 8 regarding the closure of illegal mines operating in the Kuje FCT area council.
“The minister revealed that the initial investigation showed that the illegal artisanal miners invaded the Gwagwalwalda site after the discovery of unintentional gold veins during the excavation of a subjected hole near the residential property.
“He remembers that the latest incident occurred on an agricultural land located behind Christ The King College (CKC) in Gwagwalwalda.
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“After receiving an updated illegal mining report, he immediately ordered the spread of Marshal to secure the site.
“He stressed that given the potential for health and public health risks related to illegal mining operations, residents must avoid areas affected while the enforcement and remediation efforts are ongoing.
“He repeated the commitment of the federal government to eradicate illegal mining activities and position the national development sector.
“The ministry tracks the dissemination of satellite supervision technology to monitor national mining operations and significantly strengthen the capacity of law enforcement,” the statement said.