In a significant move to combat illegal mining, the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency, in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, has launched a decisive operation targeting illicit mining activities in the Oluyole Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out in the Aba Ayinde, Ajota, and Alagba, along the circular road, was prompted by alarming reports of unauthorised mining that posed serious environmental risks and legal concerns.
During the operation, officials conducted a thorough reconnaissance of the area, uncovering numerous mining pits, some measuring as deep as six meters.
The sight of these extensive excavations raised immediate concerns over environmental degradation and potential hazards associated with unregulated mining.
Additionally, various tools and equipment were discovered on-site, including sieves used for washing and panning mineral samples, further indicating the scale of the illegal operations.
(Motorcycles impounded by authorities at the mining site)
A spokesperson for the operation stated, “At the site, many pits of about 6m deep were seen, and sieves that the miners were using for washing and panning of the samples taken from the pits were also on the site.”
Despite the authorities’ presence, the miners managed to evade capture, fleeing through adjacent bush paths and streams as the operation commenced.
This situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing illegal mining activities.
Meanwhile, the operation led to the seizure of six motorcycles parked near the mining site, which have been confiscated and are now in the custody of the authorities for further investigation.
Local residents provided insights into the situation, revealing that illegal mining has been a persistent issue since the road’s opening.
One resident noted, “The people had been coming since the road was opened and that sometimes they do use tipper to load items from the site.”
“This indicates a well-established network of illicit operations that not only undermines the state’s regulations but also threatens the livelihoods of local communities and the region’s ecological balance.”
The inspection also revealed traces of tourmaline and beryl, both of which are highly sought-after gemstones.
The presence of these valuable minerals underscores the potential for economic exploitation but also the urgent need for regulatory oversight to prevent illegal extraction practices.
In response to these developments, the DG Oysmida that led the combined team of oysmida, ministry of lands, and operation Burst reiterated the commitment of the government of Governor Seyi Makinde to provide intervention where the federal government is lacking to safeguarding natural resources, the mining community and enforcing mining regulations even despite the exclusivity of the Mineral sector.
Authorities are expected to enhance monitoring efforts in the area and engage with local communities to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal mining.