The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has shut down a lithium mining operation in Libata, Kebbi state, for alleged mining law violations and defrauding the country of an estimated N1.43 trillion.
NSCDC’s Mining Marshals said the operators were linked to a company under investigation for significant mineral theft and regulatory breaches.
Officials alleged the firm, in collaboration with unnamed foreign nationals, illegally extracted lithium valued at N1.43 trillion (N1,431,762,340,450) over a two-year period.
Regulators claimed the company exceeded the scope of its Small Scale Mining License (SSML) and Exploration License, encroaching on areas owned by another titleholder.
This action, according to officials, contravenes Section 46(2) of the 2007 Minerals and Mining Act and Section 48 of the Nigerian Mining Regulations, 2011.
The NSCDC said these activities not only deprived the government of crucial revenue but also undermined the legal framework designed to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources.
The crackdown followed an inspection involving security personnel, state mine officers, and company representatives.
The directors of Three Crown Mines, the firm implicated, failed to appear before investigators in Abuja on 21 July, citing “inconvenience” through a letter from their counsel.
Assistant Commandant of Corps and Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Onoja, dismissed the excuse as unacceptable, warning against any attempts to impede the investigation.
He insisted that a new appearance date must be mutually agreed upon to ensure the probe continues. (Premium Times)