Collaborate with state govts, host communities, Federal Govt. urges mining operators

The Federal Government has urged operators in the mining sector to collaborate with state governments and the host communities in order to ensure that revenues accruing from mining activities are in consonance with government’s overall diversification plans.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, called for this synergy during his facility tour of Dangote Cement’s plant and limestone quarry in Ibese; and the Larfarge Cement’s plant and limestone quarry in Ewekoro, Ogun State at the weekend.

Dr Fayemi said such synergy would also promote environmental safety, which has been a major issue many host communities had with mining operators, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the cement companies’ level of environmental compliance not withstanding the huge size of their operations. He noted the tour of the plants and quarries was a knowledge building process from which many lessons were learnt.

Dr. Fayemi said that despite availability of diverse mineral deposits in the country, the gap in value addition still remained a source of concern.

He however said that government was working hard to ensure that the success recorded in cement production is replicated in other aspects of mining.

This he said has informed government’s decision to halt the export of unprocessed minerals from the country, while making the setting up of processing plants as a necessary conditions for prospective investors in its huge minerals endowment.

He added, however, that the condition also comes with  some other incentives for the investors, aimed at making the Nigerian mining sector attractive to renowned investors.

Aside emphasizing environmental safety, the Minister also urged the cement manufacturing giants to set up training schemes for young graduates and technicians to gain relevant trainings and exposures to modern technology, which will in turn ease the burden of over dependence on expatriates.