Victor EzejaAnambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has approved five sand miners to operate in the state.
Prime Business Africa reports that the governor had following environmental degradation and pollution caused by unauthorised sand mining activities, ordered the suspension of mining to check damages on roads.
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However, according to a statement released on Thursday, 29th August, by the State Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, a Special Committee on Mining Reform was subsequently set up by Governor Soludo to create best standard of practice and screen operators for his approval.
Nwosu said the process has been completed and Governor Soludo approved the certificate of five miners to resume their mining operations, “but in strict compliance with newly prescribed modus operandi.”
He added that “Prospective operators in the state are enjoined to comply with the requirements for mining to enable them seek and obtain the Governor’s approval to commence their operations.”
Below are the list of sand miners approved for issuance of operation permit.
AN/MRC/001
IDK Nigeria Limited Sand Mining (Onitsha North)
AN/MRC/002
Nsugbe Sand Dealers MPCS Limited Sand Mining (Nsugbe)
AN/MRC/003
Odumegwu Chukwuemeka Kingsley Laterite Excavation (Ukpo)
AN/MRC/004
Givers Ogbaru M.C.S Limited Sand Mining (Bravo)
AN/MRC/005
Lucky Star Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Limited River Sand Mining (Ogbaru)
Prime Business Africa understands that the state is prone to some environmental challenges such as erosion, which was worsened by indiscriminate excavation for sand, leading to the ban by the state government.
There are indications that the suspension caused limited supply of sand needed for construction works, which perhaps, affected the cost, warranting a review of the mining activities in the state for sustainability.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
