Stakeholders Call for Presidential Order to Limit Lithium Export

Stakeholders within the solid minerals and metal sectors have issued a collective plea to the President, urging the issuance of an Executive Order aimed at discouraging the export of Lithium and other energy minerals in their raw form. This call comes in conjunction with the government’s review of the Mining and Mineral Act of 2007.

The aforementioned entreaty was articulated during the fifth National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development (NCMMRD) Meeting in Ilorin, Kwara State. The assembly of over 100 stakeholders within the sector provided a platform for the presentation of recommendations on various facets of the industry.

Proposed courses of action encompassed processes like the periodic review of royalties on lithium and other energy transition minerals, emphasizing the need for cohesive collaboration among government, industries, operators, and academia within the lithium business.

Moreover, issues related to community development and inclusivity, the suppression of illegal mining operations, technological innovation, and mineral resources management were central themes of discussion amongst the assembled stakeholders.

In response to the challenge of illegal mining, stakeholders have advocated for the advancement of amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act of 2007 and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations of 2011. Additionally, the establishment of specialized courts for the trial of illegal miners and economic saboteurs was proposed, along with the reinforcement of surveillance and monitoring of mine fields, community engagement, public awareness, and capacity-building of ministry officers.

Furthermore, the collective has advocated for enhanced collaboration and synergy between the Federal, State, and Local Governments to fortify and adequately fund the Mineral Resources Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) and the Special Mines Surveillance Taskforce (SMSTF).

Of equal importance are the recommended enhancements in funding for relevant government departments responsible for exploration and geoscience data generation, as well as the provision of incentives to investors and researchers.

The array of recommendations put forth by stakeholders is designed to address the challenges confronting the mining and mineral resources sector in Nigeria, with the ultimate goal of laying the groundwork for sustainable and responsible development within the industry.

It is imperative that the government accords due consideration to these recommendations, in order to foster an environment conducive to the growth and advancement of the sector, while ensuring that the country optimizes the potential benefits of its mineral resources.