Abuja – An Abuja-based expert in mining and extractive industry, Mr Meka Olowola, has stressed the need to identify and document miners for sustainable and resourceful mineral development in the country.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday, Olowola said that if miners were properly documented, it would boost economic development of the sector.
“When you have a structured way of running the industry, where all those involved are properly identified and documented, it makes room for the growth and development of the sector.
“ When you have a codified list of legal miners and their activities well structured, it will boost revenue generation as well as discourage illegal mining.
“Government should ensure adherence to health, safety and the environment.
“It should also be able to protect the environment and not destroy host communities,’’ he said.
Owolola, therefore, called on government to make policies that would grow the industry and stop all kinds of illegal mining in the country.
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The expert said that if the mining sector was well structured, it would boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the foreign reserve and reduce dependence on oil. (NAN)