Mineral Resources & Env't Mgt Committee -"Miremco" Kaduna State Chapter

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As part of it's commitment to strengthen the mining sector in Nigeria and Kaduna State in particular, the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) Kaduna State Chapter, paid a courtesy visit to the DSS Kaduna State Command.

In his remarks, the Chairman MIREMCO, Alhaji Lawal Umar Mayere informed the gathering about the existence and objectives of MIREMCO as:
1. To serve as interface between the Ministry, State, Local Government, Mineral Title Holders, and Host Communities.
2. Ensure development and exploitation of mineral resources in a sustainable and orderly manner.
3. Promote harmonious working relationship between the mining companies and the host communities.

He also highlighted the functions of MIREMCO as to:
1. Consider and advise the Minister on issues affecting returns and necessary reports affecting grants of mining titles.
2. Consider issues affecting compensation and make necessary recommendations to the Minister.
3. Discuss, consider and advise the Minister on the matters affecting pollution and degradation of any land on which any mineral is being extracted.
4. Consider such other matters relating to mineral resources development within the state as the Minister may, from time to time, refer to the committee.
5. Advise the departments established in accordance with the provisions of the NMMA, 2007 for the supervision of mineral exploration and the implementation of social and environmental protection measures.
6. Advise the Local Government Area and the Communities of the implementation of programs for environmental protection and sustainable management of mineral resources.
7. Advise and other necessary assistance required by holders of mineral titles in their interactions with state governments, local government councils, Communities, civil institutions and other stakeholders.
8. Advise the Minister in resolving conflicts between stakeholders and
9. Advise the Minister in respect of matters connected with the implementation of this act.

The MIREMCO Chairman appreciated the support he received from DSS officer in Kagarko Local Government Area when resolving an incidence at Gujeni mining community. He therefore seek for more collaboration and support from DSS as a very credible security outfit in the nation.

In his response, the Director, Kaduna State Department of State Services Command, Abdul A. Eneche, stated that, mining is a very strategic sector in the economy of Nigeria, therefore anything which is going to be a sabotage to the economic sector, DSS has to come-in and take charge.

The DG DSS Kaduna State Command also reiterated that, illegal mining, wrong misuse of explosives or diversion of explosives to be used in terrorist attack instead of approved mining operations, and failure to pay royalty constituted security threat. Therefore, DSS have its own ways of monitoring and keeping surveillance on the suspected persons. The DSS is fully and always ready to collaborate with MIREMCO in all of it's activities.

The session was attended by the DSS Management.

31/05/2023

The Chairman Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) Alhaji Lawal Umar Mayere presided over the stakeholders engagement between MIREMCO committee members, Kaduna Geographic Information Services (KADGIS), Gujeni Land owners and Dnata Chiefdom held at the Dnata palace Tafa, Kagarko Local Government Area.

The meeting was convened in respect of the issue of payment of compensation of additional six hacter of land required by African Natural Resources and Mines Limited in Gujeni community and 40 hectares of land required for dam construction in Chakwama community.

In his remarks, the chairman MIREMCO reiterated that, the company was established with the concent of the people of Gujeni community he therefore pleaded with the people to be patient with the company as the company is still in it's construction phase, and yet to commence production.

The Chairman further stated that MIREMCO is fully aware of the problems between the Company and the Gujeni community and is committed to ensure that all issues were amicably resolved. The communities around the mining area must embrace peace with each other because the company has come to stay. He therefore called on those that haven't collect their cheque of compensation to do so for peace to rain in the area.

Also the Chairman said, those that were opmitted in the list of land owners will also be reconsidered and be paid after physical verification at the side by Kaduna Geographic Information Services (KADGIS) staff.

In his remarks, the chief of Dnata Chiefdom Mr James Bitrus appreciated the efforts put in place by MIREMCO, KADGIS and Kaduna State Government as well as the overwhelming support he received from his people. He therefore promise to follow up on the issues at hand to ensure peaceful resolution of all outstanding matters.

14/12/2022
The Chairman, Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) Kaduna State Chapter, Alhaji Lawal Umar Mayere has presided over the committee's end of year 2022 meeting held at Mines Inspectorate Department Conference Hall, Barnawa, Kaduna.

The purpose of the meeting was to review the Committee's activities for the year and to plan for next year.

The Chairman thanked members for their continuous dedication and commitment towards achieving the Committee's objectives and prayed for a peaceful and prosperous new year.

31/11/2022
In an effort to resolve all issues relating to the acquisition of 40 hectares of land required by African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML) within mining area at Chakwama village, Kagarko Local Government Area, the Management of Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS) on the directives of the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru El-rufa'e held a meeting with the Kaduna State Chapter of Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, DSS, Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Kagarko Local Government Council Chairman, and Chakwama community members at KADGIS conference hall to deliberate on the issue.

In his welcome address, the MIREMCO Chairman, Alhaji Lawal Umar Mayere reiterated that, the MIREMCO team together with some stakeholders have gone to Chakwama community on several occasions in an attempt to amicably resolve the issue but it prove abortive.
He reminded the community members that there is no investment in the mining sector in which so much money has been invested like the Gujeni iron ore project and as such cannot be stopped. He therefore enjoined them to cooperate with the Government else anybody delaying or frustrating the effort put in place will be regarded as economic saboteur and will be treated as such.

The Director General KADGIS, Madam Altine Jibrin who chaired the meeting noted that, the issue at hand has lingered for about five years due to stiff resistance from the community members to allow her staff to demarcate and assess the required land. The Director General further reminded the representatives of Chakwama community the significance of the project to their community, Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.

After all deliberations, the DG KADGIS called on the Chakwama community to allow for the demarcation of the required 40 hectares of land in order to identify the actual owners for subsequent assessment and payment of compensation.

The Chairman, Kagarko Local Government, Mr. Nasara Auza Rabo apologized on behalf his people on the recent happenings and further informed the gathering that he has held several meetings with the people through the Traditional institutions and some community group where he educated them on the significance of the projects the Kaduna State Government is bringing to the Local Government and the consequences of their resistance. The Chairman also pleaded with the State Government to persuade African Natural Resources and Mines Limited to commence executing Community Development Agreement to get people’s confidence.

26/10/2022
The Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) Kaduna State Chapter, has embarked on a sensitization visit to Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

During the visit to Sabon Gari Local Government Area, The MIREMCO Chairman, Kaduna State Chapter, Alhaji Lawal Umar Mayere detailed that, MIREMCO was established by section 19(1) of the Nigeria Mineral and Mining Act ( NMMA), 2007 in all the 36 States of the Federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of the Federal Government's measures towards achieving sustainable mineral resources development in the country.

He then walked the Sabon Gari Security Council members through the composition, objectives and functions of his committee.

Alhaji Mayere mentioned the Objectives of MIREMCO as:
1. To serve as interface between the Ministry, State, Local Government, Mineral Title Holders, and Host Communities.
Ensure development and exploitation of mineral resources in a sustainable and orderly manner.
3. Promote harmonious working relationship between the mining companies and the host communities.

He then highlighted the functions of MIREMCO as to:
1. Consider and advise the Minister on issues affecting returns and necessary reports affecting grants of mining titles.
2. Consider issues affecting compensation and make necessary recommendations to the Minister.
3. Discuss, consider and advise the Minister on the matters affecting pollution and degradation of any land on which any mineral is being extracted.
4. Consider such other matters relating to mineral resources development within the state as the Minister may, from time to time, refer to the committee.
5. Advise the departments established in accordance with the provisions of the NMMA, 2007 for the supervision of mineral exploration and the implementation of social and environmental protection measures.
6. Advise the Local Government Area and the Communities of the implementation of programs for environmental protection and sustainable management of mineral resources.
7. Advise and other necessary assistance required by holders of mineral titles in their interactions with state governments, local government councils, Communities, civil institutions and other stakeholders.
8. Advise the Minister in resolving conflicts between stakeholders and
9. Advise the Minister in respect of matters connected with the implementation of this act.

In his response, the Chairman Sabon Gari Local Government Area, Engr. Muhammad Usman ably represented by the Vice Chairman Muhammed Khamis Zakari, thanked the MIREMCO team for their visit to Sabon Gari Local Government Area and reiterated the Local Government Council's commitment to collaborating with MIREMCO in order to achieve the desired objectives.
The Chairman further appointed the Director of Agriculture and Forestry, Sabon Gari Local Government Area to serve as liason officer to MIREMCO when ever the need arises.

In attendance during the meeting were; representatives of Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Depence Corps, Nigeria Road Safety Corps, DSS, Nigeria Immigration Service, Kaduna State Traffic Law and Enforcement Agency (KASTLEA)
JNI, CAN and Traditional Leaders.

19/10/2022
The Chairman Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) Kaduna State Chapter, Alhaji Lawal Umar Mayere has presided over the committee's meeting at conference hall, Mines Inspectorate Department, Barnawa Kaduna.

In his welcome address, the MIREMCO Chairman called on the members to be on their toes in order to make a significant progress on resolving issues from now to the end of the year 2022.

The Chairman further highlights some of the intended activities of the committee in the year 2022 such as sensitization visits, dispute resolutions and site inspections among others.

During the meeting, members strategies on how best to resolve all pending and new complaints that are received by the Committee.

The Chairman, Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), Kaduna State Chapter, Alhaji Lawal Umar Mayere has presided over a meeting with SETRACO Nigeria Limited, District Head of Rigachikun and other stakeholders on Thursday, 30th June, 2022 at Conference Hall, Mines Inspectorate Department, Barnawa Kaduna. The meeting centered on trying to have an amicable resolution on the following complaints:

1. Complaint by Hamza Rabi'u against Setraco Nigeria Limited and District Head of Rigacikun on alleged issuance of forged and fake consent letter

Both the parties were present and it was resolved that, Kaduna Zonal Mines Inspectorate Office and the complainants will jointly visit the site for boundary demarcation.

2. Complaint by Dan Asabe Sani against Abdulkadir Abdularasheed on alleged trespass

Both parties were present at the meeting and it was resolved that, the Kaduna Zonal Mines Inspectorate Office will visit the area and establish if there's trespass as alleged, after which the Committee will act accordingly.

3. Complaint by Abdullahi Abubakar Adamu against Alh. Ali Petroleum on alleged trespass.

Ali Petroleum failed to honour the committee's invitation and it was resolved that a new date will be scheduled later.

08/06/2022
The Chairman Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) Kaduna State Chapter, Alhaji Lawal Umar Mayere has presided over the committee's meeting today at Conference Hall, Mines Inspectorate Department, Barnawa Kaduna, to consider some complains from stakeholders. These include:
1. Complaint by Hamza Rabi'u against Setraco Nigeria Limited and District Head of Rigacikun on alleged issuance of forged and fake consent letter

Resolution:
a) The Minerals Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) will enquire from the Zonal Mining Office the status of the issue.
b) The Committee will invite both parties for a meeting on a date to be scheduled later.

2. Complaint by Dan Asabe Sani against Abdulkadir Abdularasheed on alleged trespass

Resolution:
a) The Committee will establish who gives consent for river channels.
b) The Committee will invite both parties for a meeting on a date to be scheduled later.

3. Complaint by Abdullahi Abubakar Adamu against Alh. Ali Petroleum on alleged trespass

Resolution:
The Committee will invite both parties for a meeting on a date to be scheduled later.

12/04/2022
The Chairman Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) Kaduna State Chapter, Alhaji Lawal Umar Mayere has attended a meeting to discuss and resolve amicably the issue of payment of compensation in respect of sacred sites and sanctuaries on the land required for mining project by African Natural Resources and Mines Limited in Gujeni community, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The meeting was held at the Mining Cadastre Office, Abuja.

While briefing the meeting, the Chairman MIREMCO, Alhaji Lawal Umar Mayere, stated that so much efforts has been put in place to reconcile both parties but to no avail. He therefore called on both parties to peacefully accept what will be agreeable after the meeting.

The Chairman MIREMCO said, the use of land for mining operations shall have a priority over other uses of land and be considered for the purpose of access, use and occupation of land for mining operations as constituting and overriding public interest within the meaning of the land use act.

The MIREMCO Chairman further quoted as follows:
1. Section 98 of the mining act stated that; no person shall, in the course of exploration or mining, carry out operations, in or under any area held to be sacred cause injury or destruction of any tree or other thing which is the object of veneration without the approval of the Minister.

2. Where any questions arises under this section as to whether an area is held to be sacred or tree or thing is the object of veneration, the question shall be decided by the Mining Cadastre Office on the recommendation of MIREMCO.

MIREMCO is therefore advising that, the issue be handle in accordance with the provision of the law and diligently to avoid setting an unpleasant precedence.

In his remarks, Director General Mining Cadastre Office, Obadiah Simon Nkom (Ajiyan Moroa) who represented the Honourable Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamikelan Adegbite stated that, both the Gujeni Community and African Natural Resources and Mines Limited should be aware of what the laws has provided because it will be strictly adhered to in order to arrive at the conclusion of the matter. He further stated, it is not in the interest of the Government for the mining activities not to go on smoothly as planned.

The DG Mining Cadastre Office also reiterated that, the mining laws clearly states that the minerals resources belongs to the exclusive list, therefore, no body has a right over land.

In his statement, the representative of African Natural Resources and Mines Limited Dr. Akanya stated that, their company is very law abiding and they have complied with the Community Development Agreement (CDA)and the company has done more beyond the CDA to Gujeni Community. Therefore the company is fully ready to provide more when the operations commence.

In his response, representative of Gujeni community Reveren Dada Markus called on his Community members to accept the offer given to them as compensation in good faith. He later thanked the DG Mining Cadastre Office and the Chairman MIREMCO for the efforts put in place towards a peaceful resolution of the matter.

While thanking the Mining Cadastre Office Abuja and MIREMCO for their intervention, the Acting Chief of Dnata Chiefdom, called on Gujeni community to support African Natural Resources and Mines Limited and plead with the community to be more patient and expect more devidends from the company.

At the end of the meeting both parties were happy and agreed with the resolutions reached.