The Federal Government has said that it will soon put in place a law that will stop illegal mining in the country. The Minister of State for Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogar, disclosed this in Ogun State during a courtesy call on Governor Dapo Abiodun in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The minister said that the mining industry would be open to those willing to operate within the confines of the law.He said: “We will stamp out illegal mining in Nigeria. A law will come out that will deal with illegal mining. If you are caught doing illegal mining, you will be sent to jail.

“If you want to mine, get a licence, it is very easy. Even small scale mining licence will be available.”“You don’t need to go escalating land and creating environmental problems for the entire nation.”Abiodun said his administration would not tolerate miners who degrade the environment.