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The Nasarawa State Government has sealed a lithium mining company, Timadix Geomin Consult Nigeria Limited, in the Kokona Local Government Area over alleged violations of mining regulations.
The decision has, however, set the state government and the firm at loggerheads.
The company was accused of operating without adhering to the state’s guidelines governing mining activities.
The closure follows allegations by Timadix Geomin Consult that the Nasarawa State Government was interfering in its legitimate operations.
Addressing a press conference, the Managing Director of the company, Tim Eldon, claimed that Timadix had obtained all necessary licences and complied with due processes before commencing operations.
He urged the Federal Government, particularly the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, to intervene and ensure fairness.
However, during a press briefing in Lafia, the state capital, on Tuesday, the Acting Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, debunked the company’s claims.
He insisted that the mining firm bypassed laid-down procedures and was not recognised as a legitimate operator in the state.
Akabe emphasised that the government is committed to safeguarding communities with mineral resources from unauthorised operators, who often engage in illegal and unregulated mining.
“Our decision to shut down Timadix Geomin Consult is in line with our resolve to end illegal mining in Nasarawa State. Findings from the committee set up to investigate the company’s operations revealed glaring irregularities,” Akabe stated.
He disclosed that a sub-committee comprising key stakeholders from Kokona Local Government Area, including traditional rulers and the council chairman, found discrepancies in the company’s consent letters.
“The report showed that Timadix did not follow due process. The so-called consent letters were not properly obtained, and signatures attributed to royal fathers were falsified. None of the traditional rulers signed any document for Timadix,” he added.
While reiterating the state’s openness to investors, Akabe cautioned that companies must comply with all legal requirements to avoid sanctions.
“We welcome investors in Nasarawa State, but they must respect our laws. Timadix and others seeking to engage in mining or any other ventures must follow due process to avoid situations like this,” Akabe warned.
The acting governor assured residents that the state government would intensify surveillance on mining activities and shut down any site found to be operating illegally.
