Federal Government have initiated move to accelerate establishment of Enugu State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee, MIREMCO, in collaboration with the State Government to effectively develop solid minerals in the State. This fact was made known by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, during a courtesy visit by the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. Alake said the establishment of MIREMCO would bring about proper monitoring of activities of mining companies including compliance with mining regulations on safeguarding the environment, fostering community development, and strengthening relationship between the State and the Federal Government. The Minister also recalled Enugu State’s historic and economic significance during the colonial era as far as mining is concerned, therefore he highlighted the State’s potential for renewed economic prominence through solid minerals.
The parley between the Minister with Gov. Mbah is in furtherance of engagements to bolster partnerships with sub-nationals to foster a conducive environment for mining operations across the country. He said “now that we have our own independence of thought and action, Enugu is the way to go. We are collaborating with Enugu and other states to ensure that the benefits accruable from the solid minerals sector are available to all Nigerians.” Meanwhile, Governor Mbah vowed to explore the vast mineral resources in the State in partnership with the Federal Government, hence his visit to the Minister. He also commended and lauded the Minister for the decision and support to accelerate the State’s plan to set up MIREMCO and its process that would address the menace of illegal mining.
“The minute the Minister received my application on setting up MIREMCO, he immediately called the relevant officer and mandated him to ensure the process for the establishment of the committee is fast-tracked. We believe that with the setting up of MIREMCO in Enugu, we will be able to curb the activities of illegal miners and those racketeering licenses”, he said. It will be recalled that the Minister met Governors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) some weeks ago, where he sued for cooperation to enhance the development of the mining sector.
