Mining not responsible for land degradation – Evang. Paul Gindiri

By Peter Akpah

A prominent Christian evangelist and Chairman of the Nigerian Miners Association (NMA), Plateau State chapter, Evang. Musa Paul Gindiri has appealed to the Federal Government to make amendments to laws in the mining sector in the country which as it is at the moment, give foreigners more opportunities in the mining of solid minerals.

Mr. Gindiri

Speaking during an interview with our correspondent at his residence in Sparkling Junction, Dadin Kowa, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Evangelist Musa also debunked the allegation that miners are responsible for land degradation and erosion that wash away the surface of the earth through mining activities.

He said: “You cannot compare the level of degradation being done by farming activities with mining; but they now blame miners for unwholesome practice in the mining sector.”

Calling on community leaders, tribal and ethnic associations to be alert to ensure that they sign agreements with companies embarking on mining activities within their domains, Musa lamented that local communities are ignorant and need to be properly educated on mining activities.

He was of the opinion that state governments should not have a say in mineral extraction from their states, but should liaise with the federal government which he appreciated for looking inwards and placing emphasis on diversification from oil.

He disclosed that about 100 years ago when tin ore was discovered in commercial quantity, it became the mainstay of the country’s economy, adding that mining has brought a lot of positive things to Nigeria.

He added: “If there are no illegal farmers operating in our land, in the same way it cannot be said there are illegal miners. What we are actually talking about are unregulated artisan miners. As you can see, the Nigerian economy is being driven by the informal sector, which includes market women, small-scale businessmen and so. It is the informal sector that is driving the economy and mining is not an exception.”

Speaking on the issue of abandoned mining ponds, the NMA chairman advised that they should be used for irrigation to boost agriculture at both the state and federal levels.