The Edo State Government has taken a forward-thinking approach by encouraging communities hosting mineral and mining operations to collaborate closely with the government when giving mining permissions. This appeal for partnership was made during a gathering of stakeholders in the solid minerals community, an event orchestrated by the Ministry of Mining and Energy in Benin City.
The Mining and Energy Commissioner, Hon. Enaholo Ojeifoh, underscored the importance of regulated mining activities and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. He highlighted the crucial role communities play in comprehending the intricacies of exploiting solid mineral deposits in their regions and engaging effectively with miners.
Hon. Enaholo declared, “Your consent is crucial in obtaining licenses for miners. We will educate you on the true value of your resources. Often, what you receive is not equivalent to what is extracted from your land. We must ensure that value is extracted for the overall development of the community.”
Furthermore, the commissioner disclosed plans to offer training to local individuals from host communities, equipping them with the business knowledge necessary to leverage their natural resources in the solid mineral sector.
During the gathering, the establishment of a committee for mineral resources and environmental management was announced. This was coupled with the forthcoming introduction of the Edo State Solid Mineral Weekly Market Report. The goal of these initiatives is to foster transparency and cooperation among the government, mining corporations, and communities.
Representatives from various entities also underscored the significance of community consent in the process of obtaining mining licenses. They stressed the potential harmful effects of mining operations and the necessity for communities to fully grasp the implications of their consent.
In reaction, community members expressed their gratitude to the Edo State Government for their engagement and for addressing mining operations in their regions. They requested the commissioner’s on-site presence at mining locations in their communities for direct evaluations of mining operations.
By promoting collaboration between the government and mining host communities, Edo State is working towards ensuring sustainable development and a fair distribution of benefits derived from mining activities.
