BY AKUDORO GLORIA
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) has re-emphasized its commitment to promoting environmentally sustainable mining practices in Nigeria.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe, made this commitment during a Sensitisation Workshop and Town Hall Meeting on “Environmental Obligations of Mineral Title Holders, Mining Activities, and Climate Change,” held on Tuesday in Lagos State.
A statement by the Ministry disclosed to that the Permanent Secretary was represented at the occasion by the Director, Legal Services, Mrs. Nwamaka Odili, who delivered a keynote address, stressing the critical role the mining sector plays in addressing climate change.
Dr. Ogbe urged stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact, while contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
She reminded participants that the Nigerian Mineral and Mining Act of 2007 clearly outlines the environmental obligations that mineral title holders must meet at every stage of mining operations—before commencement, during mining activities, and in post-mining operations.
“The Federal Government is fully committed to creating a conducive environment for responsible mining practices,” Dr Ogbe noted. She further highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to professionalize the Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Fund, EPRF, an initiative aimed at ensuring that mining activities do not harm the environment.
In light of the growing global concern around climate change, the Perm Sec. stressed the need for stakeholders in the mining sector to actively contribute towards mitigating its impact, while urging operators to adopt sustainable mining practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and embrace the use of renewable energy sources.
Meanwhile, the Director of Mining Environmental Compliance (MEC), Dr. Vivian Okono, emphasized the need for collective action in combating climate change within the mining sector. She added that professionals have a crucial role in reassessing the sector’s carbon footprint and ensuring that our operations contribute positively to global climate objectives.
According to the statement goodwill messages were delivered by key stakeholders across the value-chain including the Chairman of Lagos State Mineral Resources & Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO); Akran of Badagry Kingdom; President of the Dredgers Association of Nigeria (Lagos State Branch); the Chairmen of both the Miners and Dredgers Associations (Badagry Branch) and the Chairperson of Women in Mining (Lagos State Chapter) presented a common front in support of responsible mining practices.
“The workshop, which focused on climate change, environmental obligations, community development, and the professionalization of the Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Fund (EPRF), provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the social and environmental responsibilities of the mining industry, as well as the necessary tools and strategies to address climate change, community relations, and environmental sustainability,” it stated.