The Federal Government has ordered the shutdown of an illegal gold mining site in Gwagwalada, Abuja, as part of its intensified campaign against unlawful mining operations.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, confirmed that Mining Marshals were deployed to secure the site after reports of fresh illegal activities.
This comes just weeks after the closure of another mining site in the same area where 16 suspects were arrested, following an earlier raid on an illegal quarry in Kuje.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the Gwagwalada site was invaded by artisanal miners after a gold vein was accidentally discovered during the digging of a soakaway pit near a residential area.
The minister warned residents to steer clear of the affected areas due to environmental and health risks posed by the activities.
He also disclosed that surveillance technology would soon be deployed nationwide to monitor mining operations.
Mining Marshals Commander, ACC John Onoja, said 24-hour surveillance has been established, while investigations are ongoing.
Alake stressed the government’s determination to eradicate illegal mining and reposition the sector for national development.
