FG Revokes 1,633 Mining Licences.
In a move to enforce compliance with regulatory requirements, the federal government has taken the decisive step of revoking the mining licences of 1,633 mining operators.
The affected licences include 536 exploration licences, 279 quarry licences, 787 small-scale mining licences, and 31 mining leases.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, explained that the revocation was a consequence of operators defaulting on the payment of Annual Service Fees. According to Alake, the notice for defaulters was officially published in the Federal Government Gazette Number 178, Volume 110, dated October 10, 2023. The mandatory 30-day period for compliance expired on November 10, 2023.
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Alake highlighted that out of the initial 2,213 defaulters, only 580 title holders responded by settling their indebtedness. Consequently, the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) recommended the revocation of 1,633 mineral titles, a decision that received the minister’s approval.
During a press conference in Abuja, Alake issued a warning to those whose titles had been revoked, cautioning them to stay away from the revoked areas. He emphasized that anyone caught within these areas would face apprehension.
“We shall continue to carry all stakeholders along in this rescue mission and shall always ensure that we are fair to all concerned. However, we don’t intend to bend or break the rules whenever and wherever there are violations and non-compliance. Rather, we shall make such cases examples for others to emulate,” Alake stated.
He expressed concern about corporate entities making substantial profits from mining but refusing to meet their financial obligations to the government. Alake emphasized that the fees were a reasonable contribution compared to the revenue generated by these companies.
The Minister highlighted the importance of compliance with the law, detailing the process of revocation, which began on October 4, 2023. The exercise targeted 2,213 titles, including 795 exploration titles, 956 small-scale mining licences, 364 quarry licences, and 98 mining leases. The notice of revocation was published in the Federal Government Gazette on October 10, 2023, and the mandatory 30-day period concluded on November 10, 2023.
Alake concluded by revealing that there would be a review of mining titles, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring compliance and sanitizing the sector. He issued a stern warning to illegal miners, signaling a new era of stringent enforcement.
I want to use this opportunity to send a stern warning to illegal miners, it’s no longer business as usual, there’s a new Sheriff in town, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the new Sheriff in town, and it cannot be business as usual,” Alake declared. He urged those involved in illegal mining to desist, as security agencies were intensifying efforts to address the issue.
