Abuja: The Women Miners in Nigeria (WMIN) has called for strict compliance to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as mandated by law for mining companies before they begin operations. The National President of the association, Mrs. Janet Adeyemi, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adeyemi emphasized the necessity for mining companies to submit an EIA before commencing any mining activities. This is seen as a vital step in addressing environmental pollution within mining communities across various states in Nigeria. Despite the extensive laws governing the mining sector, she noted that different regions face unique challenges, particularly in adhering to EIA regulations, with illegal mining operations posing significant enforcement issues.
“Enforcement is a major problem, especially with illegal miners. Many illegal operators work without any form of coordination,” Adeyemi stated. She advocated for continued enforcement of regulations and public education on the harmful effects of illegal mining on the ecosystem. She urged the government to ensure strict enforcement and impose heavy sanctions on violators.
Adeyemi further suggested that mining companies should also be required to provide an Environmental Sustainability Governance (ESG) report, which would cover broader sustainability factors in addition to the EIA report. To bolster environmental protection, she proposed that Nigeria adopt a framework similar to America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA), aimed at enhancing the resilience and safety of water systems against mining-induced pollution.
“We should adopt AWIA certification in Nigeria to promote responsible mining. It is essential because the consequences of mining can be devastating,” Adeyemi stressed.