By Oxford Reporters
The Nasarawa State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of major mining activities by Matrix Mining Company in Wamba Local Government Area over alleged unsafe environmental practices and contamination of community water sources.
The Commissioner for Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining, Princess Dr. Margaret Itake Elayo, disclosed this in a statement, saying the government had taken the action as part of its deliberate efforts to tackle illegal mining and the involvement of minors in mining activities across the state.
Elayo said she had dispatched a team from the ministry, led by the Permanent Secretary, Barrister Y.Y. Edde, to Wamba following reports concerning the activities of Matrix Mining Company.
“In a deliberate move to combat illegal mining and the involvement of minors in mining activities in Nasarawa State, I have dispatched a team from the Ministry of Environment, Solid Minerals, and Mining, led by Permanent Secretary Barrister Y.Y. Edde, to the Wamba Local Government Area,” she said.
According to the Commissioner, the ministry received “alarming reports” concerning unsafe environmental practices allegedly linked to the company.
She said, “The Matrix Mining Company has been discharging contaminated processing water rich in harmful chemicals back into the community’s mainstream water sources, posing serious health risks to local residents.”
Elayo explained that the government had therefore directed the immediate suspension of major mining activities by the company pending further engagement and investigation.
“In response to this situation, I have ordered the immediate suspension of major mining activities by the company,” she stated.
She added that Matrix Mining Company had been directed to appear before the Ministry of Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining on Tuesday next week to respond to the concerns raised.
“Matrix Mining is required to report to the Ministry of Environment, Solid Minerals, and Mining on Tuesday next week; failure to comply will result in a complete shutdown of their operations,” the Commissioner warned.
Elayo also urged residents of communities around the mining site to exercise caution over the use of water from potentially affected sources.
“I urge the surrounding communities to take precautions by purifying their water before using it for any domestic purposes,” she said.
The Commissioner further called on artisanal miners operating in Wamba and other parts of Nasarawa State to formalise their activities by registering as cooperatives.
“Additionally, I call on artisanal miners in Wamba and other local government areas to register as cooperatives to ensure better management of their activities,” Elayo said.
She stressed that the government remained committed to strengthening regulation of mining activities, protecting communities and the environment, and ensuring that mineral resources were exploited responsibly.
