The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, on Thursday, hinted at an impending forensic audit of the mining sector as part of efforts to sanitise the industry and boost investor confidence.

This was revealed in a statement made by the Special Assistant on Media to the minister, Segun Tomori on Thursday.

Tomori said that Alake made this known during a meeting with the Governor of Plateau State,  Caleb Mutfwang, stressing that the minister emphasised that ongoing reforms will lead to the implementation of technology-driven mechanisms aimed at enhancing the regulatory framework of the federal government.

Highlighting the importance of Plateau State in the Federal Government’s plan to develop the mining sector, Alake sought collaboration with Governor Mutfwang to harness the vast solid mineral potential and address the prevalence of abandoned mining pits, which he noted represent relics of the colonial era.

Dr Alake stated that; “I can reveal that we are going to embark on a forensic audit of the entire sector. We are collaborating with the Ministry of Science and Technology on satellite imaging, in line with the directive of Mr. President. "

"This will assist in monitoring activities at mining sites and consequently bolster our capacity to effectively secure the mining environment."

The minister added; “We are working towards creating an Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Fund to establish a pool of resources that can be used for remediation efforts. This includes covering or converting abandoned pits, which pose a danger to our citizens and communities, into productive uses like irrigation.”