Hon. Peter Kanang Gwom, the Commissioner of Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development in Plateau State, has called on miners on the Plateau to adhere to government regulations to ensure the mining industry’s sustainability while safeguarding the environment.
Speaking at the Miner’s Night event in Jos, Hon. Peter Kanang Gwom highlighted the importance of responsible mining practices and emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the sector under the right conditions.
Gwom outlined the collaborative efforts between the state and federal government to ensure that mining is carried out safely and in a way that benefits the state’s economy without harming its natural resources. “We are working diligently with all relevant bodies at both the federal and state levels to ensure that mining is done in a way that not only benefits Plateau but also protects the environment,” he stated.
One of the main concerns raised by the Commissioner was the growing environmental degradation caused by illegal and irresponsible mining activities. Gwom pointed out that many agricultural lands in the state have been rendered unfit for farming due to the adverse effects of unregulated mining, stressing the need for land reclamation and restoration.
He called on miners to cooperate fully with government regulations, including paying royalties, to facilitate environmental restoration and development efforts. “Cooperate with the government, pay royalties, and allow us to do the necessary work to protect our land and future generations,” Gwom urged.
The Commissioner also encouraged miners to prioritize sustainable practices, warning that the long-term benefits of the industry would be compromised if the current practices continue unchecked.
He reiterated that the government was committed to providing a conducive environment for mining but insisted that miners must act responsibly to prevent further environmental damage.
