The Federal Government has expressed its resolve to collaborate with the Cross River Government to standardized and sanitize the mining sector.
Mrs. Ememobong Essien, Operational Head of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), disclosed this on Monday in Calabar during a visit to the Cross River Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mr. Effiom-Ekaha Otu.
Essien said the collaboration is critical and strategic to enhancing safety and oversight in the extractive industry.
She noted that effective monitoring of mining operations is essential for the growth of the sector.
The NNRA official explained that Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials are often unearthed during mineral exploration and require specialised handling to prevent health risks.
“This partnership will ensure that mining operations in Cross River adhere to international safety standards and protect both the environment and the health of host communities.
“Our mandate is to regulate all activities involving ionising radiation. The agency will deploy all available resources to ensure that safe and standard practices are strictly enforced.
“We call for the state government’s full cooperation to ensure that the industry meets global benchmarks,” she said.
She added that close collaboration with the state government is essential to identifying and managing radiological risks within the solid minerals sector.
Responding, the commissioner said the Gov. Bassey Otu-led administration is committed to sanitising the mining sector.
He assured the Federal Government of the state’s full cooperation to ensure greater productivity in the sector.
“As a state, we prioritise the protection of the ecosystem and the population from hazardous substances arising from unregulated mining practices,” he said.
He also assured the NNRA of the state government’s commitment to the mandatory profiling of all mining entities.
“This initiative is aimed at documenting and identifying their operational status to ensure peace and security within the sector,” he said.
