FG suspends mining activities at OAU

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has ordered an indefinite suspension of mining activities at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital university, and environs as investigations into suspected illegal mining were concluded.

Dr Alake made this known in his office on Tuesday, April 16, after a meeting with OAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, and the Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, Prof. John Okeniyi, at the ministry headquarters in Abuja.

In a statement signed by his Special assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, Dr Alakle said that the ban came after the ministry received lots of complaints by students and residents on the activities of illegal miners in the area.

The statement read, “Following the outcry generated by reports of illegal mining or suspicion of nefarious activities by mining operators within OAU, we immediately deployed officials of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency and Mines Inspectorate for on-the-spot assessment.

“Preliminary reports that reached me indicated that there were indeed some activities around the premises. The ministry then stopped all activities, whether legal or illegal, for further investigations."

Dr Alake continued that after summoning some operators discovered to be carrying out illegal activities, they presented some licenses and letters of consent which necessitated further investigations to ascertain its authenticity.

He said: “We have a had a very fruitful meeting, and a lot of facts have come out of it. Based on the outcome of the meeting, I announce the indefinite suspension, with immediate effect, all mining activities within the premises of the University, the University teaching hospital and in fact around the area and boundaries of the university, until the conclusion of thorough investigations.

“We have some of the best geologists and mining professionals in the country.

"We feel that we need to set up a sort of excellent research and training facility on mineral resources within the university. If we are able to get that in the university, it will help us, support the university community, the state, and ultimately contribute to the development of the mining sector."

BEB