… Lauds FG’s ongoing reforms in mining sector
In a significant development, Three Crown Mines has commended the readiness and ability of Comrade Dr. Nasir Idiris-led government of Kebbi State to address the challenges of insecurity and illegal mining in the state which has led to the realization of the highly desired peaceful and progressive mining operations in the state.
The company also commended the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the solid mineral sector under the leadership of Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, stating that the ability of the Federal Government to ensure value addition to the mineral resources of Nigeria is a milestone that will lead to the realization of the potential of the mining to rejuvenate the economy.
This was made known by Engr. Danjuma Arzika, Site Manager, Three Crown Mines Limited – a licensed lawfully operating mining company, during a visit of journalists to the mining site of the company, in Libata, Kebbi State, on Tuesday.
Arzika explained that the political will demonstrated by state government in collaboration with Three Crown Mines put an end to many years of illegal mining in the state, and ushered in a dispensation of economic development made possible by the investment-friendly environment established by the government.
The Site Manager, who spoke while responding to commendations showered on the company by community leaders and other stakeholders for the various developmental projects it executed in dfulfillment of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) it signed with Libata community, said: “Three Crown Mines is able to operate and fulfill the promises because the state government ensured security of mining sites. He assured that the company will continue to deliver the dividends of the huge mineral resource deposits in the state.
According to him, the ongoing peaceful mining operation by the company in Kebbi state is a win-win situation for the people, the government and the company.
He pointed out that the ability of the leadership of Kebbi State to channel the mineral resources of the state for the economic and social wellbeing of the people is a star example that must be emulated.
The Site Manager stated that: “We are, therefore, grateful to the government of Kebbi State for providing a safe and enabling environment for licensed mining operators, adding that in addition to overcoming insecurity in Kebbi State, the State Government put in place strategies that to sustain the development.”
Arzika assured that the company will ensure that the people of the host community of Libata continue to enjoy the dividends of their mineral-rich communities.
He reiterated that the current dispensation of development was made possible by the determined effort of the governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris who exercised the political will needed to put an end to illegal mining in Kebbi State, a step he said led to the blocking of revenue losses in the interest of developing Kebbi State.
Three Crown Mines is a lawfully operating mining company, he said, adding that it will continue to operate in line with the law.
“We will continue to responsibly mine the mineral resources in Libata Communities. We will continue to give back to the community by employing from among the people of the host community as well as paying them as and when due,” the manager assured.
Arzika said that as a corporate organization, Three Crown Mines Limited believes in the development of the girl child and womenfolk, assuring that the company will sustain its commitment to the wellbeing of women and children. He said in line with this, Three Crown Mines donated the sum of ten million Naira to women group in Libata.
To support efforts of Kebbi state government in the area of security, the company donated a brand new Toyota Sienna vehicle to the vigilante of Libata.
While pledging the continued commitment of the company to the wellbeing of its host community of Libata, the Site Manager explained that the one year electricity bill of the community which was paid by the company was to relieve the people of the burden, adding that the company will continue to ensure that the community benefits from its God-given solid mineral resources.
In the area of Corporate Social Responsibility, Engr. Arzika hinted on the next goal of the company for its host community, saying: “Three Crown Mines is now concentrating on connecting the community to electricity from Kainji Dam.”
Earlier, communities of Libata town in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State commended Three Crown Mines Limited for executing developmental projects as part of its Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) and in fulfillment of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) signed between the host communities and the company.
Libata community of Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State is blessed with solid mineral deposits including lithium, a globally sought after mineral used in the production of rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and electric vehicles. Lithium is also used in some non-rechargeable batteries for things like heart pacemakers, toys and clocks.
After obtaining all the necessary licenses from the Federal, State and Local Government Council, Three Crown Mines also signed a Community Development Agreement with the host communities after which it embarked on mining operations while fulfilling its promises.
Residents of the community who spoke to journalist said the community is excited about noteworthy projects being executed by Three Crown Mines toward providing healthcare infrastructure, educational facilities, security support and other public infrastructures for Libata community.
Discussing details, a resident stated: In order to ease movement, Three Crown Mines is currently constructing a thirteen (13) kilometer feeder road linking Libata community to Mokwa town of Niger State and other neighboring towns, adding that the mining company has also commenced the construction of two health centers with a combined capacity of 48 beds, for the host community of Libata valued at 120 million Naira each, totaling 240 million Naira for the two health centre projects.
Residents confirmed to journalists that the company is fulfilling the agreement it signed, saying that it is currently financing the education of fifty indigenes of Libata who are studying in various universities across the country, with an upkeep facility of two hundred and fifty thousand Naira each.
Discussing the support rendered to the host community in the area of religious growth and development, a resident stated: Libata is a community that believes in Almighty Allah. Three Crown Mines has been committed to the religious growth and development of the people of Libata, and we are very happy about this, adding that it the company recently sponsored 45 people to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage at a total cost of 400 million Naira.
The Chairman, Land Owners Association, Libata, Mr. Rilwanu Yahaya Kwanga praised the company for distinguishing itself by fulfilling its part of the agreement it had with landowners, saying: One of the benefits we derive from Three Crown Mines is that they started by compensating the landowners, then the company signed Community Development Agreements that aimed to address the problems of the community. One of the challenges is the need for healthcare and its infrastructure. We thank God Almighty because Three Crown Mines is already solving these problems.
While saying that about 150 indigenes of Libata Community are currently in the employ of Three Crown Mines Limited, Kwanga disclosed that the employees are on monthly salary of one hundred thousand Naira each, stating that beneficiaries of this large-heartedness include some disabled indigenes of the host community.
Kwanga stated: The point I want to make is that Three Crown Mines is not the only company operating in Kebbi State, but we feel their love for the people of Libata community, adding that the company recently paid a one year electricity bill of the entre community in generous exercise of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The Public Relations Officer, National Orientation Agency, Mr. Yusuf Umar, who is a respected member of Libata Community, reinforced Mr. Kwangas commendation of the company, saying: Three Crown Mines Limited has empowered the youth of Libata Community, the company pays salaries monthly and promptly, and is very concerned about our religious development. They support our imams and spiritual leaders and it has helped to instill religious injunctions and maintain peace and commitment to God in the community.
Umar pointed out that some mining companies in Nigeria are as successful as Three Crown Mines, but may not be fulfilling Community Development Agreements and may not be so committed to the educational and health wellbeing of host communities. He therefore explained that Three Crown Mines is a shining example for miners, not only in Nigeria, but also around the world.
The company is humane, Umar said, and disclosed that within a short period of its operating in Libata, it executed projects that proved that God remembers Libata.
Three Crown Mines began to identify and address the problems of schools that have been in existence prior to its operating in Libata, Umar said, adding that the company immediately provided First Aid Boxes to primary schools as a commitment to the health of pupils.
On his part, the Village Head of Libata, Usman Garba Libata stated that Libata has witnessed tremendous development since Three Crown Mines commenced mining activities in the community.
Some commuter of the 13 kilometer feeder road who spoke to journalists also expressed appreciation to Three Crown Mines for easing their daily transportation on the road. A driver, who spoke in Hausa, said: It is obvious that the company has done well to provide this road. Travelling on this road was very frustrating until Three Crown Mines fulfilled its promise, so we are happy that Three Crown Mines is making life easy for us.
