Scholarship Beneficiaries Seek Minister’s Intervention Over Mining In Community

Beneficiaries of a scholarship scheme by Three Crowns Mining Ltd. have appealed to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, to intervene and facilitate the reopening of the company’s mining operations in Libata, Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

In a letter dated August 17, 2025, signed by executives of the Libata Students Association (LISA), the students expressed support for Three Crowns Mining Ltd., whose operations were recently halted due to an ongoing ownership dispute over the mining site.

“We, the undersigned beneficiaries of the Libata Kwanga Three Crown Scholarship beneficiaries, respectfully write to reaffirm our unwavering support for Three Crowns Mines Ltd,” the students said in the letter co-signed by Mohammed Sleiman Libata (Chairman), Samaila Mohammed (Secretary-General), Salamatu Isyaka (Women Leader), Ibrahim Alhaji Yusuf (Speaker), and Fatima Mohammed (Assistant Leader).

They emphasized the significant impact of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR), particularly its educational sponsorships.

“Through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the company has sponsored 50 students across Libata and Kwanga Ward to pursue degree and diploma programmes in various universities and polytechnics in Nigeria,” they wrote.

The students credited Three Crowns Mines Ltd. with changing the trajectory of many young lives in the community.

“These interventions opened doors of opportunity to young people who otherwise may never have accessed higher education, thereby transforming individual lives and advancing the socio-economic development of the Libata community,” the letter read.

They also defended the company’s legal standing, stating: “We wish to place on record that Three Crown Mines Ltd. are the lawful and recognised owner of the mining site located in Libata, having obtained the requisite approvals and operating in compliance with the extant laws and regulations governing mining in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Their presence in our community has been characterised by transparency, corporate accountability, and tangible contributions to development, especially in the areas of education and youth empowerment.”

In a firm rejection of rival claims, the students criticised El-Tahdam Exploration Ltd., the company contesting ownership of the site.

“In contrast, the purported claims by El-Tahdam Exploration Ltd to ownership of the said site are mischievous, baseless, and lacking legal validity and moral justification. Such claims amount to an attempt to usurp the rights of a legitimate operator and, if entertained, would not only undermine peace and order but also jeopardise the hard-earned progress recorded in Libata/Kwanga Ward through the lawful operations of Three Crown Mines Ltd.”

They urged the Ministry to act decisively by Upholding Three Crown Mines Ltd.’s legal rights as the rightful owner and operator of the Libata mining site, ensuring the immediate resumption of mining activities without undue obstruction, and dismissing what they described as El-Tahdam Exploration Ltd.’s “frivolous claims.”

“We, the beneficiaries, stand firmly with Three Crown Mines Ltd. and remain committed to supporting their continued contributions to education, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development in Libata/Kwanga Ward.” the students concluded