Nasarawa Cracks Down on Unsafe Mining to Protect Environment and Communities.

The Nasarawa State Government has launched a statewide inspection of mining sites to curb environmental degradation and enforce compliance with ecological laws.

The initiative was announced Friday in Lafia by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Princess Margaret Elayo. She stated that the decision was prompted by numerous reports and complaints from communities suffering the effects of unregulated mining.

"Our state is blessed with rich mineral deposits that have significantly boosted our economy," Elayo said. "However, we are now confronting serious environmental challenges—including erosion, deforestation, water pollution, and the loss of farmlands—directly linked to unsafe mining operations."

The commissioner emphasized that the government is taking "decisive steps to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices." She clarified that the goal of the inspections is not to intimidate legitimate miners, but to guide them toward eco-friendly methods and ensure compliance with approved standards.

Elayo also highlighted plans to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, traditional institutions, and host communities to uphold environmental regulations.

"We call on all miners and community leaders to cooperate with government teams," she urged. "The true wealth of our state lies not only in the minerals beneath the ground, but in the well-being of our people and the health of our environment. Together, we can ensure that economic development and environmental protection advance hand in hand." (NAN)Of course. Here is the edited story with a new, more engaging headline and some tightened prose for clarity and impact.

 Nasarawa Cracks Down on Unsafe Mining to Protect Environment and Communities

The Nasarawa State Government has launched a statewide inspection of mining sites to curb environmental degradation and enforce compliance with ecological laws.

The initiative was announced Friday in Lafia by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Princess Margaret Elayo. She stated that the decision was prompted by numerous reports and complaints from communities suffering the effects of unregulated mining.

"Our state is blessed with rich mineral deposits that have significantly boosted our economy," Elayo said. "However, we are now confronting serious environmental challenges—including erosion, deforestation, water pollution, and the loss of farmlands—directly linked to unsafe mining operations."

The commissioner emphasized that the government is taking "decisive steps to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices." She clarified that the goal of the inspections is not to intimidate legitimate miners, but to guide them toward eco-friendly methods and ensure compliance with approved standards.

Elayo also highlighted plans to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, traditional institutions, and host communities to uphold environmental regulations.

"We call on all miners and community leaders to cooperate with government teams," she urged. "The true wealth of our state lies not only in the minerals beneath the ground, but in the well-being of our people and the health of our environment. Together, we can ensure that economic development and environmental protection advance hand in hand." (NAN)