FEC approves N2.5bn satellite technology to combat illegal mining

During its third meeting of the year on Monday, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the purchase of a N2.5 billion satellite technology aimed at fighting illegal mining activities in the nation.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, shared this information while speaking to State House correspondents after the FEC meeting.

He explained that the technology represents an integrated solution designed to tackle unauthorized, unregulated, and underreported mining operations.

The Minister noted that implementing this technology would help to reduce revenue losses and address illegal operations and the unlawful extraction of the nation’s mineral resources.

“We are acquiring satellite equipment that will be strategically placed across the country to provide real-time visual monitoring of ongoing mining activities,” the Minister explained.

“There will be a central operation center equipped with a screen, as well as in my office. With just a click of a button, you can view any mine site and monitor operations, including the volume of minerals extracted, the number of trucks leaving the site, and the overall security situation in the vicinity,” he added.

Alake indicated that the introduction of this technology is part of a dual strategy to counter illegal mining. Upon taking office, the ministry implemented this two-pronged approach, which includes both persuasive and coercive strategies. The persuasive aspect involves encouraging artisanal miners to establish cooperatives.

“When miners form cooperatives, they become more structured, formalized, and compliant, allowing their activities to contribute positively to the nation. Such cooperatives can also become financially viable, granting them access to loans for business expansion, thereby ensuring they meet their obligations to the Nigerian state,” he stated.

The Minister noted that the ministry has successfully encouraged over 300 cooperative societies among illegal and artisanal miners. The second approach, the coercive strategy, targets those who remain resistant to the persuasive efforts.

“We have implemented coercive measures, notably through the Mining Marshalls we’ve established. To this point, we have arrested, prosecuted, and convicted illegal operators, including some foreigners,” he revealed.