By EMMANUEL ANTSWEN

The Benue Government says 34 solid minerals out of the 44 in the country are found in the state.

The state Chairman, Mineral Resources and Environment Management Committee (MIREMCO), Mr Fidelis Mnyim, disclosed this at a news conference on Friday in Makurdi.

Mnyim, who is also the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, said the state was hugely blessed with over 85 per cent of the country’s mineral deposits.

He said the committee was also mandated to ensure that mineral deposits in the state were fully developed.

He explained that the committee which was saddled with the responsibility of advising the Minister of Solid Minerals on issues related to the sector would also serve as a link between the Federal Government, state and the host communities.

According to him, the committee will also ensure that there is smooth mining activities in Benue communities, and a good working relationship between the locals and the miners for improved revenue generation.

“The committee is to advise the Minister of Solid Minerals on all issues relating to the sector for effective action. We will also liaise with and create synergy among the federal government, state and the host communities to ensure that mineral resources are properly developed and harnessed.

“We will ensure that the state Internally Generated Revenue is increased through the collection of the 13 per cent royalties collected on mining.”

The chairman further expressed regrets over activities of illegal miners and improper coordination of mining activities.

He said this was affecting the state revenue and that they must be stopped.

He said going forward, a desk officer would be at the committee’s head office in Makurdi to collate data of all miners in the state.

Mnyim said that there were different categories of miners in the state; those with licences but not mining; those without proper licences; and those with licences mining but not paying the relevant fees.

He said the committee would also ensure that host communities collect the exact surface rent and sign the appropriate mining agreement.

According to him, illegal mining is contributing significantly to the ongoing insecurity in the state. (NAN)

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