In response to a viral video depicting 15 trucks loaded with minerals, purportedly uranium, extracted from Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, the Benue State Government suspended mining activities in March pending the collation of miners’ data to regulate the sector.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, convened a meeting with relevant stakeholders from Benue State in Abuja to assess the situation accurately. It was revealed that the incident stemmed from inter-firm rivalry over control of mining areas.
At the meeting, Alake announced the Federal Government’s decision to revoke the licenses of mining operators engaged in illegal uranium extraction in Benue State. He cited discrepancies in the accounts provided by community representatives, operators, and mines inspectorate officials.
“We will thoroughly investigate all issues related to the incident,” Alake stated. “Any operator found culpable will have their licenses revoked, and officials found to have engaged in sharp practices will face legal consequences.”
He emphasized that a comprehensive investigation into illegal mining activities in Benue would be conducted, with offenders facing legal repercussions.
In a separate development, Alake expressed his support for sub-national governments in developing the mining value chain. He backed Oyo State’s plans to obtain mining licenses during a meeting with Governor Seyi Makinde, who visited his office to discuss the state’s application.
Governor Makinde outlined the state’s commitment to establishing a state-owned mining corporation and curbing illegal mining activities. He highlighted the government’s recent demolition of an unlawful lithium processing plant and its intention to invest in the value chain of lithium, gemstones, gold, and marble.
