NSCDC Shuts Seven Illegal Mineral Processing Centres, Arrests Four in Niger
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have sealed seven suspected illegal mineral buying and processing centres in Kontagora, Niger State, as part of efforts to curb illegal mining and enforce compliance with the nation’s mining regulations.
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja, disclosed on Friday that the enforcement operation, carried out on June 12, also led to the arrest of four suspects linked to some of the affected facilities.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the affected companies were allegedly operating mineral buying centres without the necessary approvals and purchasing strategic minerals from unverified suppliers, contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011.
The companies affected include 17 Mines & Minerals Limited, LALO Mining Limited, AL-YAMAN Global Concept Nigeria Limited, SIMASS Mining & Trading Company Limited, YMJ Minerals & Mines Nigeria Limited, Dating Company Industry Limited, and another mineral buying facility operating in the area.
Investigators reportedly discovered that some company representatives admitted purchasing monazite from suppliers who presented only state or local government revenue receipts without valid mining leases, Small-Scale Mining Leases (SSML), Licences to Purchase and Possess Minerals (LPPM), Mineral Buying Centre Licences, or other statutory documents required under the law.
The investigation also found that officials of AL-YAMAN Global Concept Nigeria Limited and 17 Mines & Minerals Limited admitted buying minerals without verifying whether the suppliers were legally authorised to mine, possess, or sell the products.
The NSCDC said investigators could not obtain documentary evidence showing that some of the firms possessed valid Licences to Purchase and Possess Minerals or Mineral Buying Centre Licences, although further verification of permits claimed by some companies has been recommended with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
The investigation established a prima facie case of regulatory non-compliance and raised reasonable suspicion that some of the minerals processed at the facilities may have originated from illegal mining activities.
The NSCDC recommended further investigation of the identified suppliers, legal review of the findings, prosecution where criminal conduct is established, and forfeiture of all recovered minerals to the Federal Government in accordance with existing laws.
The seized minerals, which include monazite, iron ore, and zircon, are estimated to be worth several millions of naira.
ACC Onoja reiterated that the Mining Marshals would sustain the crackdown on illegal mining activities, stressing that eliminating the market for illegally mined minerals remains key to ending illegal mining operations across the country.
