The Federal Government has charged Mining Companies to ensure they adhere to Mining Guidelines in order to achieve hitch-free operation for the growth of the sector.

A release by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development on Wednesday said that the Minister of State of the ministry, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah gave the charge when on facility tour of the Lafarge Mfamosing Plant in Calabar, Saturn Quarry Company as well as Mark-Sino Blocks in Awi-Akamkpa, Local Government Area in Cross River State recently.

Ogah stated that mining responsibly, protecting the interest of the people and having quality relationship with host communities would be mutually beneficial to all involved. He advised the Company to reciprocate the state government’s gesture of providing security and an enabling environment for them to Operate by ensuring they “take care of the host community”.

He reiterated the Ministry’s committed towards helping mining Companies achieve 90% capacity and therefore urged them to resolve any challenge in a win-win manner.

According to the release, the Cross-River State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Mr. George Ebenachi said the activities of Lafarge has contributed to the increase in revenue as well as the development of the State, saying that the Company has added value to the development of the people of the state.

Earlier, the Acting Plant Manager, Engr. Babatunde Kareem expressed appreciation for the visit and hoped the Company would improve in its operations after deliberation. He said it has been working well and cooperating with the Cross-River State Government and host Communities.

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Source: Ministry of Mines and Steel Development