BY AKUDORO GLORIA

In line with the renewed hope of Mr President to sanitise and reposition the sector, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Solid Minerals has directed some mining companies to stay clear from operation sites due to non compliance with the law.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Oladele Alake gave the directive while addressing newsmen at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja recently sequel to the revocation of 1,633 mineral title holders after 30-Day notice.

Backed by the law under section 11 and 12 of the Nigerian Mineral Mining Act (NMMA) 2007, Alake said the revocation of licences became imperative following the 30-day notice to defaulters.

He clarified: “In compliance with the law, the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) on October 4, 2023 began the process of revoking 2,213 titles. These included 795 Exploration titles, 956 Small Scale Mining Licences, 364 Quarry licences, and 98 Mining Leases. These were published in the Federal Government Gazette Number 178, Volume 110 of October 10, 2023 with the notice of revocation for defaulting in the payment of Annual Service Fee. ”

“The mandatory 30 days expired on November 10, 2023. Only 580 title holders responded by settling their indebtedness. With this development, the MCO recommended the revocation of 1, 633 mineral titles as follows: Exploration Licence, 536; Quarry Licence, 279; Small Scale Mining Licence, 787 and Mining Lease, 31.

“In line with the powers conferred on me by the NMMA 2007, Section 5 (a), I have approved the revocation of the 1,633 titles”.

The Minister therefore warned previous holders of these titles to leave the relevant cadaster with immediate effect as security agencies shall work with the Mines Inspectorate of the Ministry to apprehend any defaulters found on any of the areas where titles have been revoked.

The Minister further stated that efforts are on-going to sanction other operators defaulting in payment of royalties, taxes amongst others, emphasising that revocation of operators shortchanging government is an on-going process which he noted will create space for serious prospective investors to come on stream.

While fielding questions on activities of illegal miners, Alake read the riot act to culprits asserting that their days are numbered. He vowed that government would deal ruthlessly with those who refuse to turn a new leaf, restating the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to sanitising the mining sector.

The Minister who restated that plans for the establishment of Mines Police is underway, revealed that the military will conduct initial clearance operations to pave the way for the deployment of the Mines Police.

According to him, it is very unconscionable for corporate bodies making huge profits from mining to refuse to give the Government its due by failing to pay their annual service fee. It is indeed a reasonable conjecture that such a company will even be more unwilling to pay royalties and honour its tax obligations to the government.