Cross River stakeholders advocate for stronger collaboration to curb illegal mining

Stakeholders in Cross River State's mining sector have called for enhanced collaboration among federal, state, and local governments, as well as traditional institutions and security agencies, to combat illegal mining and reduce communal conflicts. This appeal was made during a stakeholders' engagement in Calabar, organized by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals and the Cross River State Government, focusing on environmental safety and community relations. Federal Mines Officer Ayelabola Olubunmi stated the program aims to boost state revenue from mining by blocking leakages and doubling earnings from solid minerals. He emphasized the need for a clear roadmap to minimize illegal mining, which he described as predominant and a cause of revenue loss and environmental damage. Prof Archibong Otu, Chairman of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee, highlighted the environmental and public health implications of illegal mining. He criticized regulatory authorities for over-issuing licenses without adequate community consultation, leading to disputes, and called for stronger engagement with community leaders for monitoring and reporting. Commissioner for Solid Minerals Effiom Ekaha stressed the importance of seamless collaboration across all government tiers and host communities to develop the sector and reduce disputes. He warned that investors must have proper authorization to operate and advised community leaders to document and register land agreements t