N246 million worth of fertilizer was produced by 79 local miners in Katsina State from processed raw materials in June. This was made public on Tuesday by the Raw Materials, Research and Development Council (RMRC).
Mr Yusha’u Abubakar, an Assistant Director with RMRDC, made the disclosure in Kankara while presenting mining certificate to the miners’ umbrella body, Kankara Fertilizer and Kaolin Processors Cooperative Society.
Records indicates that 79 local mining companies registered under the umbrella of the cooperative society have produced 18, 420 metric tons of Kaolin, Marl, Talk and Red clay raw materials in different money transactions of N245, 600, 000 in the month of June alone, Abubakar said.
He further remarked that mining firms operating within Kankara Local Government Area have a combined workforce of 2,194 workers with 138 granulates excavating and processing materials for fertilizer processing companies.
According to him, the raw material mined in the area is at par with international standard; while also enjoining the group to partner with relevant government departments to sanitize the business.
He explained that the group was registered to ensure harmonious working condition and access to government funding and support.
Also, the Federal Director of Mining in the state, Mr Samuel Amaechina, reiterated Federal Government determination to diversify the economy with focus on mining and agriculture.
Amaechina urged all miners in the state to obtain licence and also register their companies with the Corporate Affairs Commission in accordance with the law.
He told the miners that payment of requisite royalties to government coffers was mandatory, adding that a team of officials would visit them for collection of N1, 000 per granulate excavator as agreed.
The director reminded the miners to adhere strictly to mining regulations, so as not to run afoul of the law.
According to him, mining obligations include adherence to environmental protections standards, improving social services of operational communities, avoiding disputes and accidents, payment of relevant taxes and others as stipulated by law.
He also cautioned them against all forms of fraud and adulteration.
Alhaji Idris Dragon, Chairman of the miners’ cooperative, expressed appreciation to the government for issuing them with the licence to operate and pledged that the group would abide by all mining regulations.
As reported by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the chairman also recalled that the miners had suffered various forms of humiliation and victimization before now.