The Kano State Government has warned mining companies operating in the state against abandoning mining sites without carrying out mandatory environmental restoration, threatening legal action against defaulters.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Tijjani Muhammad Sharif, issued the warning on Wednesday during the ministry’s monthly Executive Management Meeting.
Sharif expressed concern over the failure of some mining operators to comply with established environmental regulations, stressing that abandoned mining pits pose serious risks to human lives, vegetation, wildlife and surrounding communities.
He said the government would intensify enforcement of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, relevant regulations and applicable state mining policies.
According to him, companies that fail to restore mined-out areas in line with approved environmental requirements will face legal consequences.
The permanent secretary urged mining operators to embrace responsible mining practices and ensure that affected sites are properly reclaimed before ending their operations.
He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with investors, mining companies and other stakeholders to promote sustainable mining and environmental protection.
Sharif commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for supporting the ministry’s efforts to strengthen the solid minerals sector and ensure responsible exploitation of the state’s mineral resources.
The warning underscores growing concerns about the environmental and public safety consequences of abandoned mining sites, particularly where excavation activities leave dangerous pits and degraded land.
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