Nasarawa Govt shuts down Lithium firm over breach of regulations

The Nasarawa State government has ordered the closure of Trimadix Geomin Consult Limited.

The Kokona Local Government Area-based lithium mining company was shut down for violating the mining laws of the state.

The company has recently accused the government of meddling in their mining operations in the state.

While speaking on the development during a press conference in Lafia, on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Kwanta Yakubu, said Trimadix Geomin Consult Limited did not follow the due process before commencing operations, adding that it was not known as a mining company in the state.

He further explained that the mining firm was shut down in line with the state government’s commitment to put an end to the activities of illegal miners across the state.

“The attention of the Nasarawa State government has been drawn to a press conference by one Mr Tim Eldon of Trimadix Geomin Consult Limited, accusing the Nasarawa State government of undue interference in their mining operations in the state, particularly in Kokona Local Government Area.

“You would recall that on April 19, 2024, which is exactly two months today, the Nasarawa State Government, in collaboration with the security agencies, took a bold step to secure the Amba community of Kokona LGA from the activities of illegal miners that constitute a threat to the peace and security of the community and its environs.

“This action followed a petition from the community’s chief on the illegal mining activities in his domain without proper consent,” the commissioner said.

Speaking further, he said, “There exists in Nasarawa State, the Executive Order No. 02 of 2022 signed into Law by His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule, which particularly provides that all community consent and development agreement made pursuant to Section 116 of the Mineral and Mining Act, 2007, and before signing by authenticated community heads shall be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to be vetted and certified by the Attorney-General of Nasarawa State.

“The Executive Order also provides that all mining entities arriving in the state with the authority of the Federal Government to carry out mining in the state must undergo checks by the ministry responsible for environment and mining, and the security agencies in the state, to verify their legal status, citizenship and background before settlement.

“The so-called mining entity claiming to be licensed to carry out mining activities in the Amba community is not known to the Nasarawa State Government, according to the provisions of the Executive Order No. 02 of 2022, and the mining site remains closed and secured until responsible investors who are trusted by the community and the state, through a proper consenting, are licensed to mine in the area.”

Kwanta emphasized the government’s dedication to monitoring the mining site closely, and warned that any other site found to have similar violations would face similar shutdown action from the ministry.

The commissioner acknowledged that the government recognizes the importance of safeguarding communities with mineral resources in the state from potential infiltration by unknown entities and individuals who may pose a threat to security and engage in criminal activities.

“We have carried out a series of robust engagements and mass sensitisation to bring to the knowledge of stakeholders in the mining sector operating in the state of the regulatory provisions of Executive Order No. 02 of 2022 to promote security and environmental safeguards in mining communities.

“While the government of Nasarawa State remains committed to promoting investment opportunities and the growth of businesses for economic development and poverty reduction, the state government would not compromise its determination to rid the state of illegal mining activities that put the life of our people and the safety of communities in danger,” he added