The Federal Government on Thursday, warned against illegal mining activities and urged for strong collaboration with relevant stakeholders for sustainable development across the country.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Mary Ogbe, gave the warning while Inuagurating new National Executive Council of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Abuja.
Ogbe also expressed concerned over local industries which depend on imported minerals, as their raw materials, despite availability of such minerals in the country.
She said that some minerals were exported raw to Asian and European countries at ridiculous prices without value, adding that such practice has added to the unemployment rate in the country.
She said that such practice has also hindered sustainable development and constituted loss of revenue in the country.
