Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has revealed that mining processes in the state will begin by the year 2024.
Governor Adeleke, who revealed that environmental standards were being enforced in the mining industry in the state, added that the cleaning up of the polluted environment was ongoing.
The governor gave these revelations while responding to a situation brief submitted by the Special Adviser on Mining and Solid Minerals, Prof Lukman Adekilekun Jimoda on Thursday in Osogbo.
He recalled that a year ago, he promised an overhauling of the mining sector with a view to securing maximum returns for the state from her solid mineral wealth.
While maintaining that mining operations now had zero tolerance for environmental degradation in the state, Governor Adeleke applauded the progress and successes his administration had recorded in the mining sector.
“We are recording an increase in revenue generation. Accumulated service charges on our licences have been cleared. We are at the tail end of upgrading our exploration leases to mining leases. This will bring more investors.
“I am elated to report that we have fulfilled that promise within a year of assuming office,” the Governor noted, adding that he was particularly elated with the environmental standard enforcement..
Speaking earlier, Prof Jimoda assured Governor Adeleke that no effort was being spared to implement the mining sector reform as laid out by his administration.
