By BLESSING ODEGA

The Plateau State House of Assembly, presided over by its Speaker, Daniel Nanlong, has raised alarm over mining activities in residential areas in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.

The assembly called on the state government to address the increasing solid mineral processing activities within residential areas to avoid grave consequences.

The lawmakers’ resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Jacob Denty (APC/Pankshin South) during plenary on Tuesday in Jos.

Denty told his colleagues that the practice of processing tin, columbite and other minerals within residential areas was hazardous and posed many health implications for such residents.

He said that a survey conducted showed that over 1,000 Tim processing sheds were currently operating in residential areas in Jos North Local Government Area, with similar activities ongoing in other parts of the metropolis.

Denty warned that toxic substances, such as heavy metals, dust, and chemical by-products that pose serious health risks, are usually emitted from such activities.

According to him, the emissions are capable of causing respiratory infections, cancers, kidney failure, and other long-term ailments.

He further noted that unregulated activities had also led to environmental degradation, water contamination, destruction of farmlands, displacement of communities, and increased poverty and insecurity.

The lawmaker called for the enforcement of regulations prohibiting mining in residential areas by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and other relevant agencies.

He also called on the Committee on Solid Minerals and Environment to investigate the impact of the activities on affected communities and recommend remedial actions.

Jacob, urged the state and local governments to designate industrial zones for mineral processing activities away from residential settlements.

The lawmaker also called on the House Committee on Environment and Solid Minerals Development to evaluate the social corporate responsibilities of mining companies in the state.

Denty described the situation as a public health emergency and contravention of environmental and safety laws and called for immediate government intervention to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people.

Similarly, Mr Mark Na’ah (APC/Jos North West) and Chairman, House Standing Committee on Environment and Solid Mineral Development described the act of processing minerals in residential areas as “highly detrimental to human health and the environment.”

Na’ah assured the house that the committee would thoroughly investigate the matter with a view to protecting residents from further harm.

He added that the committee would engage relevant federal and state regulatory agencies to ensure strict enforcement of environmental safety standards, as well as hold operators accountable for activities that endanger public health. (NAN)