Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) in Asaba, Delta state urged miners to remediate all environmental challenges associated with their operations.
Mr. John Edijala, the State Chairman of MIREMCO, while speaking on the need to protect the environment, urged the stakeholders to co-operate with the body in the task of nation building. Restating the decision of government to develop the solid mineral sector to international standard, Mr. John told the stakeholders that MIREMCO had the mandate to midwife mining activities from inception to maturity. According to him, the concept of memorandum of understanding between miners and host communities has been institutionalized, adding that “conflict resolution mechanism has also been institutionalized.”
He further stated that mining was on the exclusive legislative list. He said MIREMCO had been authorized to work with all stakeholders to reduce areas of friction. He commended the peace initiative of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, adding that Delta State “is investors delight and the state government has resolved to partner all potential investors to shore up the revenue base of the state.” He insisted that the government was determined to diversity the Nigerian economy, reduce dependence on oil and its attendant community crisis and build a viable and sustainable solid mineral sector that would be people and environment-friendly.
