The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has commenced training on provision of extension service on artisanal mining techniques to mining operators for small-scale mining companies as part of its commitment to eradicate poverty.
The training, which was organised for the North-West and North-East geopolitical zones and held in Kano, had in attendance registered and performing mining cooperatives, small-scale mining companies and quarrying associations.
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In his opening remarks, the Director, Artisan and Small Scale Mining Department of the ministry, Mr Patrick Ojeka, said “the training is in recognition of the importance of mining cooperatives.
He said the ministry adopted a strategy termed “Cooperation” to address artisanal mining issues, while using it as instrument to alleviate poverty.
He said 80 participants were selected from the North-West and North-East geopolitical zones to benefit from the training, adding that they are expected to extend the message to their colleagues in their various unions.
On their part, some of the beneficiaries decried lack of funds as what brought a serious setback in the local mining sector, adding that if they could access the BOI loan without collateral that would boost their activities.
Nafisatu Hassan Baba, Bauchi State coordinator, Women in Mining Association, said the training has added to her knowledge of mining and that she will take the message to her colleagues in the state for their benefit.
Aliyu A. Hamma, Chairman Darazau Research Miners, said the training had equipped them with the knowledge of processes through which they could sell their extracted mineral resources to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at lucrative prices unlike to the marketers.
He urged government to look into the problems of small-scale miners adding that mining cannot be profitable without money, and that mining can replace petroleum if everything is put in place.
