In its bid to diversify the economy, the Federal Government has expressed readiness to invoke the extant laws on illegal miners in bringing them to justice.
Solid Minerals Minister Dr. Kayode Fayemi gave the government’s stance yesterday, he said President Muhammadu Buhari had given a marching order to rid the sector of illegal mining and generate more revenue into the nation’s coffers.
The former Ekiti State Governor said the Mining and Mineral Act 2007 had provided the government the legal weapon to prosecute illegal miners and saboteurs.
He stated that the nation had the potential to become a global leading player in the sector with 44 key minerals, which, he said could be found in about 350 locations in the 36 states.
