FG approves ₦2.5bn for technology to curb illegal mining – Dele Alake
By Kunle Sanni
The Federal Government has approved ₦2.5 billion for an integrated technology solution to combat illegal mining nationwide.
Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, announced this after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, emphasizing the need for technology-driven monitoring to curb unlicensed, unregulated, and underreported mining activities.
Alake noted that illegal mining has led to significant revenue losses and environmental damage, necessitating decisive action.
“We identified these challenges upon assuming office and implemented strategic initiatives, including the Mines Marshal, to combat illegal mining.
“While we have successfully persuaded over 300 illegal mining groups to form cooperative societies, some remain defiant. This new technology will strengthen our enforcement efforts,” he stated.
According to the minister, the approved funds will be used to acquire satellite monitoring equipment for real-time surveillance of mining sites nationwide.
“With this system, we will have a central operations center to monitor mining activities, track mineral extraction volumes, and assess on-site security. This will significantly enhance our ability to regulate the sector effectively,” Alake explained.
He added that the cost of the satellite technology was reviewed downward to ₦2.5 billion before approval to ensure cost efficiency.
The initiative aligns with the ministry’s broader strategy of combining persuasive and enforcement measures to formalize mining activities and curb illegal operations.
