On Tuesday, Dr Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, announced the revocation of 1,633 mining titles due to non-payment of annual service fees.
Key Points:
– The Mining Cadastral Office initiated the revocation of 2,213 titles on October 4, with a deadline for payment until November 10.
– Only 580 title holders responded, leading to the revocation: 536 Exploration Licences, 787 Small Scale Mining Licences, 279 Quarry Licences, and 31 Mining Leases.
– The revoked titles will be reassigned to more serious investors. Alake urged former title holders to vacate the areas immediately.
– Security forces will assist the ministry’s inspectorate in detaining any trespassing defaulters.
– Alake highlighted the need for corporate responsibility, stating that companies profiting from mining must fulfil their obligations to the government.
– A transparent governance system is necessary to regulate mining activities, ensuring compliance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007.
– The MCO aims for efficiency in administering titles but faces challenges in monitoring compliance.
– Alake warned illegal miners that their days are numbered.