Alake Orders Mining Marshals to Seal Illegal Gold Mining Site in Gwagwalada
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has ordered mining marshals to seal an illegal gold mining site discovered in the Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The directive follows intelligence reports of renewed unlawful mining activity in the area, barely two weeks after a similar operation by the marshals led to the recovery and sealing of another site around the District 2 Extension layout in Gwagwalada on August 16. Sixteen suspects arrested during that operation are set to face prosecution.
According to preliminary investigations, illegal artisanal miners moved into the Gwagwalada community after the accidental discovery of a gold vein during the digging of a soakaway pit near a residential property. The latest activity was uncovered on farmland behind CKC in Gwagwalada.
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Officials of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, led by the Director of Mines Inspectorate and represented by Deputy Director Sunday Okhuoya, visited the site on Wednesday for an on-the-spot assessment. Okhuoya expressed satisfaction with compliance to the minister’s directive and disclosed that relevant departments have commenced a thorough investigation to determine the causes of recurring illegal mining in the area.
Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Attah Onoja, confirmed that his team has mounted 24-hour surveillance over the affected sites pending the outcome of the Federal Government’s inquiry.
Dr. Alake, in a statement, warned residents to steer clear of the sealed sites due to potential environmental and public health risks. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining nationwide, noting that the ministry is fast-tracking the deployment of satellite surveillance technology to monitor mining activities and boost enforcement capacity.
