Crackdown on Illegal Mining: Taskforce Seizes 21 Trucks of Coal
In response to the recent announcement by the federal government to crack down on illegal mining, the Kogi State Government has taken proactive steps to enforce this directive. A Joint Taskforce, comprising of the Police, NSCDC, The State Security Service, Federal Mines Office, Kogi State, State Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, and Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS) was set up to tackle the issue.
During the period spanning 18 December 2023 and 7 January 2024, a total of twenty-one trucks loaded with coal, amounting to Nine hundred and forty-five (945) tons, were impounded as a result of illegal mining activities. Subsequently, on 8 January 2024, an application was filed before the Federal High Court in Lokoja to seek an Order for forfeiture of the Nine hundred and forty-five (945) tons of coal to the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
This action comes after the reiteration of the ban on illegal mining activities by the Federal Government, as announced by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, in December 2023. This information was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Etazuma Mining & Industries Limited and Koyla Energy Limited, Partha Ghosh.
Following this, on 18 January 2024, the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Abdul Dogo granted an interim forfeiture Order for the Nine hundred and forty-five (945) tons of coal to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The Court directed that the Notice of Order be pasted in public places, including the Federal High Court, State High Court, and various mining sites in Ankpa LGA, where the products were impounded, to allow any interested person to show cause why the Order should not be made absolute or final.
The pasting and publication are required to be completed within seven (7) days after the date of this Order, with the return date for the final Order set for 1 February 2024. The Applicant, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is also mandated to file an affidavit of compliance with pictures to prove the publication.
Moreover, on 19 January 2024, twenty-four (24) licensed Mining Companies paid a visit to Kogi State to commend the Government and Security Agencies for their unprecedented containment action. They also provided valuable input to enhance the operations of the Joint Taskforce.
The proactive measures taken by the Kogi State Government and the Joint Taskforce reflect a strong commitment to addressing the issue of illegal mining. The enforcement actions and legal proceedings against offenders demonstrate a clear determination to uphold the laws and regulations pertaining to mining activities in Nigeria. It is imperative to ensure that natural resources are extracted in a sustainable and legally compliant manner for the benefit of the nation.
The ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining are essential to safeguarding the environment, preserving natural resources, and upholding the rule of law. By working in collaboration with mining companies and enforcing strict regulations, the government is working towards establishing responsible mining practices that will support economic development while ensuring the protection of the environment and the rights of local communities.
