In the past year, Nigeria’s Mining Marshals have made significant progress in combating illegal mining. The initiative was initiated on March 21, 2024, as part of a broader plan for solid minerals development. The team of officers has expanded from 2,220 to 2,670, enforcing mining laws and safeguarding licensed operations across the country.

Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, highlighted the Mining Marshals’ impact, stating they have curtailed illegal activities that previously flourished unchecked. He noted, “Before now, illegal miners operated with impunity… the Mining Marshals have restored order and sent a strong message that it is no longer business as usual.”

Over the last year, the enforcement unit has apprehended 327 illegal miners, with notable convictions, including two foreigners sentenced for illegal mining in Kwara State. Additionally, 98 illegally occupied mining sites have been returned to their owners, allowing them to resume operations.

Major successes include the removal of over 3,000 illegal miners from Mining Lease 19325 in Kogi State, which had been unlawfully occupied since 2016. Similar operations have occurred in Kuje, Abuja, Umunneochi in Abia State, and Ankpa in Kogi State.

While focusing on enforcement, the government is also keen on formalising artisanal mining, encouraging illegal miners to form cooperatives. Alake reminded potential offenders, “Those who refuse to comply will face the full weight of the law.”

Despite operational challenges, technology such as drones and robotic surveillance has been adopted to assist enforcement. Future expansions are anticipated due to increased funding in the 2025 Appropriation Act, and satellite technology will further enhance security in the sector.

To promote transparency and accountability, the Ministry has established an Annual Prize for the Best Report on Solid Minerals Development, administered by DAME. This initiative aims to foster investigative journalism in the mining sector.

Alake praised the dedication of the Mining Marshals and allied security forces. He stated, “As we move into the second year, we are strengthening our strategies to flush out more illegal miners and bring them to justice… the goal is to ensure that Nigeria’s solid minerals sector contributes meaningfully to national revenue and economic growth.”

The Mining Marshals have made remarkable progress in securing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector over the past year, with a focus on combating illegal mining and reclaiming sites. Their increased personnel and the implementation of technology have greatly improved enforcement and accountability. The government’s commitment to formalising artisanal mining demonstrates a balanced approach to the challenges faced in the sector. Continued efforts are expected to enhance Nigeria’s mineral contributions to national development.

Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com

The post One Year of Nigeria’s Mining Marshals: Successes and Future Goals first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, announced that mining marshals have located 457 illegal mining sites in the past year. He made this statement during the first anniversary of the mining marshals in Abuja, emphasising their success in recovering over 98 sites, allowing licensed operators to resume their activities. This recovery is expected to enhance royalties and boost the contribution of solid minerals to Nigeria’s economy.

The minister reported that the marshals have improved intelligence gathering and raised awareness of the government’s enforcement capabilities, establishing a significant deterrent against illegal mining activities. Over the past year, the mining marshals arrested 327 individuals involved in illegal operations, with ongoing court prosecutions nationwide.

Alake explained that illegal miners had occupied licensed mining areas for many years, putting legitimate license holders at risk. He tasked the mining marshals with rectifying these situations to restore access to legally licensed sites. Notable operations included removing over 3,000 illegal miners from a site in Kogi State, facilitating the return of rights to the genuine license owners.

The success of the mining marshals has extended to various locations, including Kuje, Abia State, and Ankpa, where they have effectively restored mining sites to their proper owners. New recruits receive ongoing training to enhance the marshals’ operational effectiveness, employing technology like drones for better surveillance and communication during enforcement operations.

The initiative by the mining marshals reflects a proactive approach to combating illegal mining in Nigeria. Their efforts have led to the identification and recovery of numerous sites, arrests of offenders, and enhancement of security for legitimate miners. Continued training and technological advancements suggest a sustainable strategy for maintaining law and order in the mining sector.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com

The post Nigeria’s Mining Marshals Identify 457 Illegal Sites in a Year first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Ilorin has sentenced two Chinese nationals, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, to prison for illegal mining of solid minerals in Kwara State. They, along with their company Crius Chemical Nigeria Limited, were charged accordingly. The court concluded that they engaged in mining without lawful authority, violating the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.

Upon pleading guilty, the prosecution presented their case, supported by evidence including extra-judicial statements and reports from the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency. Justice Awogboro confirmed the case was proven beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced each defendant to two years in prison or a fine of N1 million, which also extends to their company.

Additionally, the convicts are required to pay N14 million in royalties to the Nigerian government, and all solid minerals located on the company’s premises in Ogun State are forfeited to the federal government as part of the sentencing.

The two Chinese nationals were convicted for illegal mining activities, receiving prison sentences and fines as punishment. They must also pay royalties to the government, underscoring the legal consequences of illegal mining in Nigeria. This case highlights ongoing enforcement against unlawful mineral extraction in the region.

Original Source: von.gov.ng

The post Two Chinese Nationals Convicted for Illegal Mining in Kwara first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.