Nasarawa Suspends Illegal Mining Operation

Trimadix Geomin Consult Limited’s mining operation at the Amba mining site in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa state has been suspended by the state government over illegality.

This is coming after Mr Tim Eldon of Trimadix Geomin Consult Limited accused the state government of interference during a press conference in Jos, Plateau State last Friday.

At a briefing in Lafia, the state capital on Wednesday, June 19, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Kwanta Yakubu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining activities in the state.

He stated that any mining company found violating Executive Order 02 of 2022, signed into law by Governor Abdullahi Sule would face closure.

The state government’s action followed a petition from a community chief concerning unauthorised mining activities within his domain, which, according to Yakubu, posed potential threats to peace and security. He praised the cooperation of various security agencies in enforcing the executive order to maintain peace in Nasarawa State.

Yakubu said;

“On April 19, 2024, the Nasarawa State Government, in collaboration with security agencies, secured the Amba community from illegal mining activities, which could destabilise the area.”

He also noted that under the Executive Order, mining companies authorised by the federal government must undergo scrutiny by the state’s ministry responsible for environment and mining and other security agencies to verify their legal status before commencing operation.

He reiterated government’s efforts in sensitising stakeholders within the mining sector about regulatory provisions aimed at enhancing security and environmental standards in mining communities across the state.