Business and Economy
Minister Alake Orders Closure of Illegal Gold Mining Site in Gwagwalada
By Iyojo Ameh
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has ordered the sealing of an illegal gold mining site in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
A statement signed by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, in Abuja, explained that the move followed reports of renewed unlawful activities in the area, shortly after mining marshals had earlier shut down another site this month where sixteen suspects were arrested.
The statement revealed that the illegal operations began after a gold vein was accidentally discovered during the digging of a soakaway pit. It further disclosed that the latest incident occurred on farmland located behind CKC in Gwagwalada.
According to the statement, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Attah Onoja, confirmed that his men had mounted 24-hour surveillance on the affected sites.
Residents were advised to avoid the area due to possible health and environmental risks, as the Federal Government is deploying satellite technology to strengthen monitoring and eradicate illegal mining nationwide.