The Youth Leader of Apomu in Isokan Local Government Area of Osun State, Abdulganiyu Abiodun has urged the Federal Government to intervene in the mining activities going on in the community.
Abiodun noted that the activities by a mining firm, Baldoff Facilities Consulting Ltd, was causing grave environmental hazard to the community.
He therefore urged the government to intervene, adding that the company had been carrying out its business operations in Apomu without the consent of the rulers of the community.
This is as the community, through its lawyer, Kayode Ajulo, has petitioned the Director General, Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office alleging that the mining company with its business operations had caused grave environmental hazard to members of the community of Apomu, thereby endangering their lives.
Abiodun in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja said the mining activities were without the consent of the community.
He said the traditional ruler of the community, Kayode Afolabi had instructed that all legal steps be taken to put a stop to the continuing environmental hazards in the community through its mining activities.
Abiodun said members of the community had been exposed to the environmental hazards following the mining activities since 2017 by the unauthorised activities of the company.
Ajulo said several efforts had been made by the traditional rulers of the community to discuss with the mining company of the effect of its activities and lack of consent but proved abortive.
According to him, it was discovered that Baldoff Facilities Consulting Lid Small Scale Mining Lease has been effective since 18th Dec, 2017 and due to expire on Dec. 17, 2022.
“According to the provision of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, before a Small Scale Mining Lease is issued by the Minister of Mines and Steels Development, the Mineral title holder must have sought the consent of the rulers/authorities of the host community.
“That a Small Scale Mining Lease upon its expiration is subject to a non-renewal pursuant to the failure of a Mineral titleholder to comply with the provision of Act,” he said
Ajulo said Baldoff Facilities Consulting Ltd. having not complied with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 is not subject to the renewal of its mining license.
He said in addition to this, the company’s license should not be renewed upon its expiration on Dec.17 as the mining company did not comply with the provisions of the Act.
Ajulo added that the entire community was not comfortable with the activities carried out by the company as a result of the grave environmental hazard caused to the community.
The company couldn’t be reached for comments as of the time of filing the report.