As part of efforts to improve community development and ensure sustainable mining practices, the Oluyole Local Government LG in collaboration with the Oyo State Mineral Resource Development Agency hosted stakeholders to ‘frank talk’ meeting with traditional rulers and representatives of mining companies operating within the council area.
The meeting, which held yesterday at the Oluyole LG Secretariat, Idi-Ayunre in Ibadan, witnessed open dialogue targeted at strengthening the relationship between the mining operators, the LG, and host communities.
The meeting had in attendance, key stakeholders, including traditional rulers from various communities affected by mining activities, representatives of mining companies operating in the LG.
The deliberation centered around commitments of operators to their Corporate Social Responsibility role of stakeholders in ensuring that mining operations contribute positively to the well-being of host communities as well as the development of the local government as a whole.
In his address, the Chairman of Oyo State Mineral Development Agency, Okunrinjeje Abiodun Oni, who doubles as the executive chairman of the Pacesetter Mineral Development Agency, explained efforts of the state government in moving around to get ‘big money’ investors to invest in the state’s solid mineral resources.
He stressed that mining companies must play a more significant role in deepening sustainable development through CSR, especially in rural communities that have long been impacted by mining activities.
“We cannot ignore the fact that mining activities come with certain environmental and social challenges. However, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the benefits outweigh these challenges.
“The government is committed to providing the enabling environment, but we expect mining companies to do more in terms of community empowerment, infrastructure, and environmental protection.”
Earlier, the Executive Assistant on Security Matters to the Governor of Oyo State, Compol Sunday Odukoya (rtd.), highlighted the legal and social consequences for mining companies neglecting their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations.
Odukoya while enlightening stakeholders at the event, emphasized that failure to meet CSR commitments could result in severe legal actions, including regulatory fines, revocation of operational licenses, and even lawsuits from affected communities.
He stressed further, the importance of companies contributing to local development, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, and environmental protection, where mining operations have a significant impact.
The former Commissioner of Police maintained that mining companies must align their operations with the well-being of the communities they operate in noting that ignoring CSR not only harms their corporate image but also threatens their legal standing.
Similarly, the Special Adviser on Homeland Security to the Oyo state governor, retired assistant comptroller of immigration; Mr Segun Adegoke, stated that the security of mining sites remains crucial not only for the safety of workers but also for the overall stability of the host communities and the local government at large.
He urged companies to adopt more transparent operations while calling for better cooperation between the local government, host communities, and mining companies to prevent legal crisis and enhance development.
The executive chairman of the LG, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, in his welcome address, warned traditional rulers in the Council against issuing consent letters to mining companies without the involvement of the local government and the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency in line with the regulatory framework.
Olatunji stressed that the involvement of both the local government and the Mineral Resource Development Agency is critical in ensuring that mining operations are conducted legally, transparently, and in ways that benefit the local community.
The Council chairman further disclosed that serious penalty awaits any traditional ruler found flouting the directive while also advising mining companies to strictly comply with due process before commencing operations.
“The issuance of consent letters by traditional rulers without the involvement of the local government and the state mineral resource development agency can create serious legal and environmental issues.
“It is essential that any mining activity within Oluyole LGA follows the due process, involving proper coordination with the necessary authorities.”
Olatunji’s warning follows growing concerns over unregulated mining operations that have impacted local communities and the environment.
The local government chief emphasized that traditional rulers, while respected custodians of their communities, must adhere to the legal framework governing mining activities to ensure that mining companies fulfill their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations and mitigate negative impacts on the environment.
He further called for greater collaboration between the traditional institution, the local government, and the state mineral resource development agency to ensure that mining activities align with both community development and state regulations.
During the meeting, representatives from various mining companies affirmed their commitment to improving the livelihoods of local residents through strategic CSR initiatives.
Traditional rulers, who also play a central role in local community governance, also used the opportunity to express their concerns and expectations. While commending the local government chairman for his impressive performance since assumption of office, they equally appealed to mining companies to prioritize the welfare of local residents in their CSR programs.
In their separate responses, the mining companies present at the meeting expressed mixed concerns. While some of the companies expressed their challenges in carrying out mining activities to include multiple land owners surfacing for claims, others simply affirmed their smooth operations without hiccups.