…the taskforce has seemed it expedient to check if indeed Mining Companies are in total compliance to statutory remittances.
Chairman, State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Environment Pirfa Tyem has encouraged Mining Companies in the State to pay Mining royalty to Federal Government so the State Government can tap from its corresponding benefits.
The lawmaker gave the advice during the continuation of visit by a joint taskforce of the State House of Assembly Committee on Environment and State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to Mining Companies in the State.
The joint Legislative – Executive taskforce is working on ensuring best sectoral practices on mining are adhered to by players in the industry and in line with the Plateau Solid Minerals Policy Act.
But worried by inaccessibility of 13% derivation on Minerals and Ecological Fund to the State by Federal Government for a number of months, the taskforce has seemed it expedient to check if indeed Mining Companies are in total compliance to statutory remittances.
Chairman House Committee on Environment Pirfa Tyem besides complaining of most companies sited within residential areas, educated them on the harmful effects associated with radioactive properties in minerals waste product on the environment.
Pirfa cautioned processing companies on proper waste disposal just as he encouraged them to pay all levies linked to Mining business.
On his part, the State Commissioner of Solid Minerals Development Jude Dakur tasked the Companies involved in Mining to pay haulage on their products, quarterly inspection fee, Pay As You Earn for indigenous workers and directors fee for expatriate as well as carry out Corporate Social Responsibility to their host communities.
House Committee members Amurudu Usaini and Wallok Goma both expressed optimism that the taskforce assignment will yield commensurate improvement in jacking up the much clamoured State Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.
The lawmakers noted that awareness created on Plateau Solid Minerals Policy Act to companies is sure to birth lots positives going forward.
But for the companies that shut their doors to the visit owing to Mining Exclusivity claims, most Miners expressed willingness to working with the State Government to improve IGR.
They also complained of multiple levies by different government establishments, insecurity to artisanal miners and epileptic power supply among others.
Though the taskforce visit was a success, it was also greeted by deliberate absence on the part of some Mining Company Owners even when prior notice were served them.
The taskforce is to continue its assignment on Mining Companies.