The Federal Government has announced plans to revoke licenses of mining operators illegally extracting uranium in Benue State.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, made this known during a meeting with representatives of mining operators and mines inspectorate officials from Benue in Abuja. Alake emphasized a thorough investigation into illegal mining activities, promising those responsible will face legal consequences.
This decision was prompted by a viral video showing 15 trucks loaded with minerals, allegedly uranium from Kwande Local Government Area. Benue State Government had earlier suspended mining activities in March to regulate the sector. Alake’s meeting with stakeholders revealed the issue stemmed from inter-firm rivalry over mining area control.
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.
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 State 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 licences.
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