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

A statement by the Special Assistant on Media
to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori disclosed this on Thursday.

Tomori said the minister gave the hint during a meeting with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Wednesday at the ministry headquarters in Abuja.

“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, he said.

Alake emphasised that the ongoing reforms will lead to the implementation of technology-driven mechanisms aimed at enhancing the regulatory framework of the federal government.

“This will assist in monitoring activities at mining sites and consequently bolster our capacity to effectively secure the mining environment,” Dr Alake added.

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.