NASARAWA, MINING FIRM IN CONFLICT OVER ALLEGED ILLEGAL OPERATION
Read Time:1 Minute, 57 Second
The Nasarawa State Government has shut down Timadix Geomin Consult Nigeria Limited, a lithium mining company in Kokona Local Government Area, over alleged violations of mining regulations.
This action has caused a dispute between the state government and the company.
The company was accused of operating without following the state’s mining guidelines.
The closure came after Timadix Geomin Consult accused the state government of interfering with its legitimate operations.
In a press conference, the company’s Managing Director, Tim Eldon, stated that Timadix had obtained all necessary licenses and followed proper procedures before starting operations. He called on the Federal Government, especially the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, to intervene and ensure fairness.
However, during a press briefing in Lafia on Tuesday, the Acting Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, refuted the company’s claims. He asserted that the mining firm bypassed required procedures and was not recognized as a legitimate operator in the state.
Akabe emphasised that the government is committed to safeguarding communities with mineral resources from unauthorised operators, who often engage in illegal and unregulated mining.
READ ALSO:
NNPCL INCREASES PETROL PRICE TO N990 IN ABUJA, N965 IN LAGOS
“Our decision to shut down Timadix Geomin Consult is in line with our resolve to end illegal mining in Nasarawa State. Findings from the committee set up to investigate the company’s operations revealed glaring irregularities,” Akabe stated.
He disclosed that a sub-committee comprising key stakeholders from Kokona Local Government Area, including traditional rulers and the council chairman, found discrepancies in the company’s consent letters.
“The report showed that Timadix did not follow due process. The so-called consent letters were not properly obtained, and signatures attributed to royal fathers were falsified. None of the traditional rulers signed any document for Timadix,” he added.
While reiterating the state’s openness to investors, Akabe cautioned that companies must comply with all legal requirements to avoid sanctions.
“We welcome investors in Nasarawa State, but they must respect our laws. Timadix and others seeking to engage in mining or any other ventures must follow due process to avoid situations like this,” Akabe warned.
The acting governor assured residents that the state government would increase surveillance on mining activities and shut down any operation found to be illegal.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0