Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to enforcing insurance policy for mine workers in Nigeria.
Representing President Bola Tinubu on a condolence visit to Niger State Governor Umar Bago in Minna, the state capital, on Friday, June 7, 2024, Alake, conveyed the president’s sympathies following the recent mine pit collapse in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area.
“It is unfortunate and avoidable. Though we learned the disaster was due to heavy downpour, we are committed to intensifying the monitoring of mining operations to ensure conformity to environmental standards,” the minister stated.
He further commended the state government for swiftly mobilising emergency rescue operations in collaboration with federal agencies, stressing that all efforts must be made to rescue those still trapped.
To enhance safety measures and provide relief to miners and their families in the event of accidents, Alake declared that insurance policies for miners across the country will be enforced.
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He also emphasised the federal government’s stance that remediation plans must accompany mining license applications, stating that irresponsible mining operations posing threats to the environment and communities will no longer be tolerated.
“We must also put in place contingency plans to mitigate the impact of natural disasters on mining sites. For instance, making the installation of support pillars under shafts mandatory. This practice is common in other countries,” the minister added.
On his part, Governor Bago expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the condolence visit and stressed the need for a concerted effort between the federal government and sub-nationals to ensure mining companies comply with safety standards.
Bago advocated the strengthening of collaborative measures to enhance periodic monitoring and evaluation of the environmental impact of mining operations to minimise recurrence of the incident.
Citing the preponderance of commercially viable critical minerals in Niger State, the governor appealed to the federal government to focus on making the state the pivot of developing the nation’s mining sector.
Bago accompanied the minister to visit recuperating victims at IBB Specialist Hospital.
Alake, on behalf of President Tinubu, therefore, announced a donation of N50 million to assist affected patients and families.
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