28 March 2002
GUSAU ZAMFARA Ministry of Environment and Solid Minerals Development has received 190 applications from prospective miners for permission to mine minerals in the state.
The Commissioner for the ministry, Alhaji Garba Dauran, told newsmen in Gusau that the state s mining corporation had been directed to process the application forms for immediate action.
He stated that as part of steps taken by the ministry to check illegal mining activities in the state, the ministry s officials would soon undertake a statewide tour to sensitise the public on the dangers associated with illegal mining.
"We know the places where such activities are carried out and when we visit such areas, we shall show and explain to people the possible dangers," he said.
On indiscriminate felling of trees, the commissioner said the ministry had recently licensed a timber processing union to cut the trees, but with a directive to replace those cut. He said the government found it necessary to issue the licence to enhance the revenue base of the state and enable the members of the union to carry out their activities according to the stipulated guidelines.
Dauran warned the people of the state against indiscriminate bush burning because of its attendant hazards.
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