The Federal Government has issued a stern warning against illegal mining activities, particularly targeting landowners who permit unauthorized mining on their properties.
Dr. Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, delivered this warning through a statement from his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Saturday in Abuja. This statement follows a tragic incident in Niger State where a mine collapse resulted in the loss of three lives.
The incident occurred on Thursday at Bazakwoi in the Adunu community of Paikoro Local Government Area (LGA), where local miners were reportedly engaging in illegal gold mining. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported the collapse, drawing parallels to a similar tragedy on June 3 at Galadima Kogo, Shiroro LGA of Niger State, which left over 30 people trapped.
The government’s statement highlighted that landowners allowing illegal mining on their licenced units will face severe consequences, including the forfeiture of their mining titles. The minister revealed that initial investigations indicated the collapsed mine was located within Exploration Licence 43113, held by JURASSIC MINES Limited in Adunu Village, Paikoro LGA.
The statement clarified that while an exploration licence allows the holder to evaluate the site’s potential for mineral extraction, it does not grant permission to commence mining activities. This distinction underscores the government’s commitment to regulating the sector and preventing illegal operations that pose significant safety risks and undermine legal mining efforts.
