Kwara State Commissioner for Industry and Solid Mineral Development, Alhaji Umar Aliyu, yesterday, in Ilorin expressed concern about activities of illegal miners in the state. Aliyu expressed the concern in a statement by Mr Akin Odeyemi, the Director of Information Services in the ministry.

The statement said the commissioner spoke at a meeting with the Emir of Gwanara, Alhaji SabiIdris and representatives of Baruteen Local Government Area of the state and some village heads in Patigi Local Government Area.

The statement read in parts: “He, therefore, enjoined miners to co-operate with the state government in its efforts to check the activities of illegal miners from neighbouring states. This is because the problem of illegal mining in the country was posing a serious threat to the nation’s socio-economic development. If mining activities were properly co-ordinated, they could serve as a good source of revenue and employment generation for youths,’’ the statement quoted the commissioner to have said.

The commissioner, however, reiterated the determination of the state government to curb illegal mining in the state. Aliyu also disclosed that the state government had introduced a new form of revenue that would be collected from the miners, dealers and other operators at the sites.

The statement quoted the Emir of Gwanara to have, while responding, advised the state government to ensure the collection of revenue by employing security agents to work with the revenue team.