The Federal Mines Officer in Cross River State, Engr. Mayowa Omosebi, alongside the state Commissioner for Mineral Resources, and security personnel, have arrested a number of illegal miners, seized their equipment and mining sites.
The development took place on Wednesday when the taskforce visited identified sites, unearthing illegal activities by illicit miners.
The action was a collaborative effort by representatives from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Cross River State Government.
It would be recalled that in the last few years there have been increasing activities of illegal mining activities in the Cross River National Park and in other communities.
These have led to outcry by concerned persons, civil society groups following community devastation, armed robbery and deaths linked to illegal minings in the state.
Those arrested were found to be exploiting and degrading mineral reserves in several communities without authorisation.
The taskforce asserted that the collaborative task force would bolster efforts to combat the escalating incidence of illegal mining in the state.
They highlighted the potential environmental sabotage and long-term consequences on the local ecosystem and communities resulting from unchecked mining activities
Speaking to journalists, Mr. Effiom Ekaha, Commissioner for Mineral Resources, disclosed that upon receiving intelligence reports, the Governor had instructed a crackdown on illegal mining within the state, in collaboration with federal authorities.
He emphasized the objective of addressing environmental degradation, economic repercussions, and security threats posed by illegal mining activities and their perpetrators.
The state government affirmed its unwavering commitment to curbing illegal mining to prevent further harm to the ecosystem and surrounding areas.
The task force inspected a vandalized artisanal mineral processing plant.
Mr. Effiom Ekaha expressed dismay at the damage inflicted on the facility, noting its capacity to empower numerous youths.
He underscored the plant’s purpose in encouraging local miners to return to designated sites and discouraging mineral imports.
The task force highlighted efforts to enhance the economic value within the mining sector.
The task force also visited an illegal quarry site in Njua Bano, Boki LGA, an unauthorized sand dredging site in Mfom 2, Yala LGA, operated by individuals from other states without government knowledge.