FG Revokes1,633 Mining Licences: Reads Riot Act to Illegal Miners, Vows Clampdown

By Mohammed Bello Doka

In a move to enforce compliance and regulate the mining sector, the Federal Government has taken decisive action by revoking1,633 mining licenses. The decision was announced by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, during a press conference held on Tuesday.

The revocation of these licenses was prompted by the operators' failure to pay the stipulated service fees within the specified timeframe. According to Dr. Alake, this action was in line with sections11 and12 of the Nigerian Mineral Mining Act (NMMA),2007, which allows for such measures when necessary.

The process of revocation began on October4,2023, as initiated by the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO). The affected licenses include795 Exploration titles,956 Small Scale Mining Licences,364 Quarry licenses, and98 Mining Leases. To ensure transparency and widespread awareness, the details of these revocations were published in the Federal Government Gazette Number178, Volume110 on October10,2023.

Dr. Alake emphasized that this action was taken to maintain the integrity of the mining sector and to send a strong message to illegal miners. He warned that the government would not tolerate any form of non-compliance or illegal mining activities. The revocation of licenses serves as a wake-up call to all operators to fulfill their obligations and operate within the confines of the law.

The Minister further stated that the government would be implementing a comprehensive clampdown on illegal mining activities across the country. This move aims to protect the environment, promote sustainable mining practices, and ensure that the sector contributes significantly to the nation's economy.

The revocation of these licenses and the subsequent crackdown on illegal mining activities demonstrate the government's commitment to enforcing regulations and promoting responsible mining practices. It is expected that these measures will restore order in the mining sector and encourage operators to comply with the law, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and prosperous industry.