(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/minister-of-mines-and-steel-228x300.jpg) The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and other Government agencies as well as some international agencies made concerted efforts to have the emergency situation of illegal mining and inappropriate mineral ore processing methods adopted by local miners in Abare, Dareta, Unguwar Yargalma, Bagega and some other villages in Zamfara State that led to lead poisoning emergency in the State brought under control through the Safer Mining Programme.
In February 2013, funds were made available to the Ministry to execute the Safer Mining Programme in Zamfara State. The programme was crucial in ensuring that lead poisoning does not occur again in the State whilst the mining communities were assured of sustainable livelihood through safe mining operations. However, since the release of the funds, the Ministry commenced series of coordinated activities meant to ultimately institutionalize safer mining procedures.
The Ministry commenced the construction of extension services outposts in designated areas in Anka and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas. Each of the facilities was to be provided with functional water boreholes. The construction of the boreholes was ongoing at the outposts. The outposts were to be fitted with all equipment necessary for on-the-site training of the local miners.
In addition, the Ministry just concluded the formalization of informal miners in Zamfara State. This process involved identification of the mining artisans and forming them into mining cooperatives for the purposes of assisting them to meet all the requirements prescribed in the mining law and regulations. Formalization was a crucial process which enabled the Ministry obtain vital information and data about the miners, their mine areas and modes of operation. It allowed ease of administration, monitoring and evaluation as well as supervision.
The Federal Ministry of Environment was also making progress in remediation while the Ministry of Health has gone far in the provision of treatment for those infected.
On the other hand, the Ministry embarked on vigorous sensitization campaign in the State using both the electronic and print media to enlighten the public, especially the rural people in the mining communities of Zamfara State of the inherent dangers associated with inappropriate mineral processing and illegal mining. The enlightenment campaign involved programmes structured for broadcasts in Hausa language through Radio Nigeria, Kaduna and Zamfara State Radio. In addition, erection of large bill boards along strategic roads in Gusau, Anka and Bagega also commenced.
Finally, the Ministry concluded the procurement arrangement for the importation of wet milling machines and Igoli processing plants. The delivery period for the machines was between 6-8 weeks. Meanwhile, the wet milling machines was meant to drastically eliminate dust generation during gold ore processing while the Igoli machines enhanced gold extraction without the application of mercury. It should be recalled that the causative material of the lead poisoning was the inhalation and ingestion of lead laden dust whereas mercury has been known to be hazardous to man and the environment.
Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria