Ondo cracks down on Illegal gold mining in Ose, vows to protect host community By Kunle Michael
Ondo cracks down on Illegal gold mining in Ose, vows to protect host community
By Kunle Michael
The Ondo State Government has taken decisive steps towards addressing illegal gold mining in Ose Local Government Area.
It, however, pledged to protect host community interests while exploring lawful means of harnessing the mineral resource for economic development.
In collaboration with members of the Ose Local Government Area Mineral Resources Committee, the state government conducted an on-site assessment of a recently discovered illegal gold mining site in the area.
According to a statement signed by the Information Officer, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Debbie Funmilayo, the visit forms part of ongoing investigations to verify the presence of gold deposits and determine appropriate legal frameworks for sustainable exploitation.
The assessment team, led by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Johnson Alabi, inspected the excavation site in Olufa Community, Elegbeka, where illegal artisanal mining activities had previously been uncovered.
Speaking during the visit, Alabi described the mining activity as largely surface-level and artisanal in nature.
However, he noted that preliminary geological indications point to the possibility of more substantial deposits beneath the surface.
He stressed the need for the state to take proactive steps, in strict compliance with regulatory procedures, to ensure the proper and lawful exploitation of the resource for the benefit of both the state and the host community.
The commissioner further disclosed that other communities with untapped mineral resources, including Ute Community known for coal deposits, would be sensitised on government plans.
According to him, this would foster cooperation and prevent actions capable of undermining sustainable development initiatives.
Reaffirming the administration’s resolve, Alabi said Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa remains committed to harnessing the state’s abundant mineral resources across all local government areas to drive economic growth and community development.
While acknowledging that mining is on the Exclusive Legislative List of the Federal Government, limiting direct state control, he assured that the state would continue to pursue lawful strategies to secure tangible benefits for its people.
The Chairman of Ose Local Government, Clement Kolapo-Ojo, commended the commissioner and his team for what he described as a prompt and strategic intervention.
He urged the government to expedite necessary actions before the onset of the rainy season, warning of the risk of river overflow in the area where the gold deposits are located.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Mining Committee, Mrs Kehinde Adeniran, appreciated the council chairman for setting up the committee to monitor activities in the locality.
She pledged that the committee would intensify surveillance and expose any illegal or unethical practices.
Other officials at the assessment included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Alhaji Olabode Yusuf; Director of Mineral Resources, Mr Abiodun Jones; Deputy Director of Mineral Resources, Engr. Bidemi Oladapo; representatives of Prong Consultancy Services led by Mr Seun Okeowo; as well as divisional heads and councillors.
