Anambra Govt Suspends All Mining Activities Till Further Notice
Anambra State government has directed that all mining activities be stopped immediately till further notice.
The State Government said that its attention has been drawn to the reckless, unauthorized and illegal mining activities going on at various sites within the State.
The directive is contained in a letter signed by the State Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, to the Chairman, Miners Association of Nigeria, Anambra State Branch; and a Public Notice jointly signed by Barr Anthony Ifeanya, Commissioner for Petroleum and Solid Minerals; Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu, Commissioner for Environment; Prof. Charles O. Ofoegbu, Managing Director, Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Ltd. and Prof. Sylvia Chika Ifemeje, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
In the letter, the Commissioner for Justice observed that the Mining activities are being carried on in total disregard of the extant Mining Act, 2007, and the Anambra State Environmental Management, Protection and Administration Law, 2024, the Environmental Protection Laws and Guidelines.
Consequently, the Commissioner noted, “The he mining activities have occasioned untold devastation, vandalization, and degradation of the lands of the host communities, and caused various health and environmental hazards to the indigenes of the host communities.
“Therefore, the State Government has directed immediate suspension of all mining activities by all Miners without exception, pending clearance with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and Ministry of Environment, Anambra State.
“Please note that defaulters of this Public Notice shall be met with severe sanctions which may include arrest and criminal prosecution.
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