FG to withdraw licenses of mining operators illegally extracting uranium

The Federal Government says it will revoke the licenses of mining operators extracting uranium illegally in Benue.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, disclosed this at a meeting with representatives of mining operators and relevant Mines Inspectorate officials from Benue on Friday in Abuja.

He said that a thorough investigation would be conducted into activities of illegal mining in Benue, and those found culpable would face the full wrath of the law.

The move comes after a video of 15 trucks loaded with minerals, allegedly uranium extracted from Kwande Local Government Area went viral.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Benue State Government suspended mining activities in March until miners’ data could be collated to regulate the sector.

Following the viral video, Alake summoned relevant stakeholders from the state to get an accurate account of the situation, which revealed that the situation was the result of inter-firm rivalry over control of mining areas.

However, he noted discrepancies in the accounts provided by representatives of the communities, the operators and the Mines Inspectorate officials.

“I have listened to all submissions and noted discrepancies in presentations by operators and stakeholders.

“ We will thoroughly investigate all issues related to the incident and any operator found culpable will have their licenses revoked.

“ If some of our officials also connived to perpetrate sharp practices, they will also be made to face the full weight of the law, “ he said.

NAN reports that, in another development, the minister reiterated his support for the sub-national governments in developing the mining value chain and expressed support for plans by the Oyo  Government to obtain mining licences.

He declared his support when the governor of the state, Seyi Makinde, visited his office to follow up on the state`s application for mining licenses.

The governor said that the state was on the verge of establishing a state-owned mining corporation and was committed to curbing illegal mining in the state.

He added that they had demolished an unlawful lithium processing plant and were poised to invest in the value chain of lithium, gemstones, gold, and marble.