The management of Timadix Geomin Consult Limited, a reputable mining company based in Nigeria, is formally seeking the support and intervention of Dr. Oladele Alake, the esteemed Minister of Solid Minerals Development. The company has encountered undue interference in its mining operations in the Kokona local government area of Nasarawa State, prompting the Managing Director, Engr. Tim Eldon, to raise concerns regarding this matter during a media briefing in Jos, Plateau State.
Engr. Eldon has disclosed that Timadix Geomin Consult diligently obtained all required licenses and adhered to the necessary procedures prior to commencing its operations in the aforementioned local government area. However, the company was taken aback by recent developments that resulted in the suspension of its operations by agents of the Nasarawa State government and a Chinese company, ultimately impeding its mining activities.
It is important to note that the company secured exploration licenses in 2022 and made substantial investments in lithium exploration. The identification of this resource in early 2024 sparked the interest of various stakeholders, both state and non-state, in obtaining the concession. Regrettably, the company faced disruption and eventual shutdown of its operations in March 2024 by the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Environment, without prior notice or justification. Furthermore, a Chinese company appeared on the concession without the knowledge or consent of the indigenous community.
Engr. Eldon has emphasised the allegations made by the natives, revealing that they were uninformed of the sudden appearance of the Chinese company and have voiced concerns about the unauthorized sale of their lands. He has urgently called for the suspension of Chinese activities on the concession and urged for a comprehensive investigation into the matter. The Managing Director expressed profound disappointment in the mistreatment of an indigenous company that possesses all the required licenses, underscoring the critical need for the protection and equitable consideration of local mining companies, as opposed to the preferential treatment extended to foreign companies in the sector.
“We at Timadix Geomin Consult hold a valid exploration license, duly signed by the Director General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastral Office. We perceive this as an attempt to deprive us of our rightful entitlements. Since the commencement of our operations in this community, we have diligently fulfilled our social responsibility, in alignment with our company’s establishment policy. We maintain an amicable relationship with our host community,” stated Engineer Eldon.
Engr. Eldon has formally implored the intervention of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, emphasising the immediate need for action to prevent the oppression of the indigenous company, while emphasizing the availability of all required documentation to substantiate its claim.
The appeal from Timadix Geomin Consult shines a spotlight on the challenges encountered by indigenous companies in the mining sector. The fervent request for intervention underscores the paramount importance of safeguarding the rights of local businesses and ensuring fair treatment within the domain of mining operations.
As the company eagerly awaits a response from the Minister, the outcome of this appeal will not only significantly impact Timadix Geomin Consult, but also establish a far-reaching precedent for how indigenous mining companies are perceived and protected within Nigeria’s mining industry.