Adeleke: Mining companies must bear cost of clean-up in Osun — our people are dying

Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, says residents are dying from the adverse effects of illegal mining activities in the state.

Adeleke said this on Monday while inaugurating a committee to monitor and regulate mining activities in the state.

In June, TheCable carried out an investigation on how illegal mining has fuelled poverty and pollution in the state.

On Monday, TheCable published another documentary on how corruption and politics fuel lack of access to clean water in Osun.

Speaking on Monday, Adeleke lamented how the Osun river has been polluted by activities of miners and its effects on the people.

He said he would ensure the mining companies pay for the cleaning up of the state’s rivers and environment.

“Osun state has been subjected to intense environmental degradation arising from activities of mining companies,” Adeleke said.

“River Osun has been polluted and our people are dying as related sicknesses are spreading. These are sad realities which none of the mining companies has raised a finger to address.

“My administration will insist on the companies paying for the cleaning up of our rivers and environment.

“Segilola and other companies operating in our state should take note that cleaning up of our environment is going to be a continuous exercise and the resulting expenditure is to be borne by the companies.

“I will not allow Osun people to continue to be exposed to polluted river water and the state to be so cheated.”

He also said his administration will recover money owed by mining companies operating in the state.

“Osun state, according to extant laws, is entitled to 13 percent derivation from every ounce of gold extracted from our gold and other solid mineral fields,” he said.

“Segilola and other operating companies are expected by law to pay Osun state 13 percent derivation on the value of gold and other solid minerals produced in the last 25 years.

“Till date, we have no record of any payment made by Segilola and other mining companies to Osun state.

“My administration is determined to recover every penny owed Osun state by companies operating in Osun gold fields.

“For the sake of emphasis, denying Osun state of its legitimate revenue through refusal to pay derivation and polluting our environment with impunity will not continue under my watch. I was elected to protect and serve the economic interest of Osun state and that is one of my priorities.

“All illegal mining activities must stop immediately. Henceforth, all illegal mining syndicates will be arrested and prosecuted.”