Alake Proposes Mine Emergency Fund to Enhance Safety

Olamilekan Alake, the Minister, proposed the creation of a Mine Emergency Fund and an African safety facility during the third AMSG High-Level Roundtable on Critical Minerals Development, held alongside the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. He highlighted the alarming frequency of mine collapses in Africa, referencing recent tragedies in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic, as well as incidents involving suspects detained for illegal mining in Nigeria who died in custody.

Alake stressed the impact of mining casualties on families and communities, advocating for the formalization of artisanal mining instead of criminalizing miners. He called for geological guidance, safety systems, and emergency response mechanisms.

Additionally, Alake signed the Continental Integration and Economic Assurance Declaration (CIEAD) to enhance cooperation on regional projects. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the event, urged AMSG to lead African industrial development through collaboration with foreign entities.

Samaila Zubairu, CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, emphasized the urgency of industrialization to meet the needs of Africa's growing population.