Mining Firm Faults Arrest Of Staff, Disruption Of Operations

The managing director Trimmadix Geomin Consult Nigeria, Engr. Tim Eldon has expressed disappointment over the harassment of staff and disruption of its

operations at its mining site at Amba Kure in the Kokona local government area of Nasarawa State by agents of the state government.

Engr. Eldon, apparently disturbed by the state government’s action, expressed shock at the way and manner in which the state government, through its Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, led security agencies to arrest a company manager alleging illegal mining in a statement issued to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

According to him, Timadix Geomin Consult Limited is fully licenced to operate in the area. He stated that all requisite approvals from the local and other relevant authorities were obtained before it was mobilised to the site. He added that the accusation of illegal mining was a misnomer and a calculated attempt to smear the company’s image and reputation.

“We were shocked when we got wind of the arrest of one of our managers, though he was released the same day after some preliminary investigations, but we are surprised that the commissioner alleged that we are operating in the area without the consent of the local and the state government.

“Furthermore, we have duly reported to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Nasarawa State, where we also secured the required clearance to commence our legitimate mining activities there.

“It is, however, deeply regrettable and disheartening that the officials of the state government, particularly the commissioner of environment, have taken the law into his own hands by unlawfully issuing mining licenses to Chinese nationals to operate on the same site for which we hold legitimate licenses, permits, and documentation,” he said.

He explained that this is a direct violation of the federal laws, as mining is exclusively within the federal government’s jurisdiction.

Engr. Eldon, however, added that mining is exclusively within the purview of the Federal Government of Nigeria, as enshrined in the Constitution, and that no state government or their officials have the legal authority to issue mining licences or interfere in mining-related activities.

But, the state commissioner of environment, Yakubu Kwanta, in his reactions, said that the revocation was in order as the firm was operating illegally, insisting that the company breached extant laws.

Kwanta told our correspondent that many things are considered before granting mining licences to any company.

He said the company was engaged in illegal mining activities because it did not obtain community consent or follow legal procedures to operate a mining site.