Edo state government has warned that only people with licences would have access to Dagbala gold mining site in Akoko Edo Local government area when the site is opened for mining.
The Edo Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Ethan Uzamere, said on Wednesday during a media parley in Benin that Dagbala gold site was closed down because of security challenges in the mining area.
“We had security reports that suspected terrorists were coming to the area and the state had to shut the place down to avoid what happened in some other areas from happening there.
“Sometimes the mining terrain is difficult to monitor but as at now we have got the right miners and they have licence to mine gold there .
“So when we reopen the site, only people with licence will have access to the place and we will do this in collaboration with the Federal Government and the local government to monitor the place,” he said.
The commissioner also disclosed that the state government had concluded plans to set up a solid mineral exploration company as a way of generating additional revenue for the state.
“We have started the process of floating a solid minerals mining company; we have got some approvals.
” We are aware that exploration is in the exclusive legislative list; the state government is, however, careful to ensure encumbrances that go with government owned businesses is not experienced
“This is especially when politics becomes part of it; it has issues so we are in the process of putting a package together,” he added.
