FG To Review Rates Of Mining Licences, Other Fees

The Federal Government is to review rates of mining licenses and other sundry fees payable by mining operators in the country.

Minister of Solid Minerals development, Dr. Oladele Alake announced this during a consultative meeting with stakeholders in the mining industry, in Abuja.

Dr. Alake emphasised the imperative of the review to boost the capacity of government to effectively reposition the mining sector.

The Minister revealed that apart from the on-going reforms, the federal government is sanitising the mining environment through the newly unveiled mining marshals, which he affirmed has been conducting operations in parts of the country to protect legitimate miners and combat ilegal mining.

“This has become inevitable if government is to effectively fulfil its obligations of providing an enabling environment for mining operations whilst also raising more revenue for government. I therefore solicit the support of stakeholders for the impending increase in fees for mining licenses and other sundry fees.

“For us to continue to ensure that we secure the mining environment and keep putting in place measures that will ease the operational difficulties and challenges that confront miners, we need to review the rates of mining licenses and other sundry fees. We felt that we can’t just do this without letting you know because invariably, you are the players in the industry, “the Minister added.

On the recent revocation of dormant mining licenses, the Minister who stated that the government followed due process and extant laws guiding the action, emphasised that a 30-day restitution window still exists for operators that were affected.

The Minister had earlier announced a restitution fee of N10m, 7.5m, 5m and 2.5m for Mining Leases, Small Scale Mining Licenses (SSML), Exploration License (EL) and Quarrying License respectively for revoked dormant licenses including those earlier revoked for default in payment of annual service fees.

In his submission, the Director-General of the Mining Cadastral Office, Simon Obadiah Nkom, who also chaired the fees review committee, stated that the committee recommended new rates that are affordable and will enhance the competitiveness of the fiscal regime of the mining sector in comparison with regional and global standards.

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, the President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dele Ayanleke commended the Minister for his efforts to put the mining sector on the global frontburner, expressing support for ongoing reforms and plans to review fees payable by operators.

He urged the minister to consider challenges faced by miners and ensure the rates are affordable.

Stakeholders In attendance include President of Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dele Ayanleke, Representatives of Women In Mining (WIN), Gemstone Miners Association (GMA), top officials of the ministry amongst others.

By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji