Illegal mining: Nasarawa Communities deny granting mining consent to Timadex Geomin Consult Limited.

By David Odama

LAFIA —Amba and Agaza communities of Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Thursday denied granting mining consent to Timadex Geomin Consult Limited for mining activities in the area.

The Overseer, Agwada Development Area,. Hon Adamu Agye, traditional rulers and communities leaders denied the claim by a group they described as ‘unknown mining film’ during a press conference titled ” Re- Indigenous Miners Cry Foul in Nasarawa, Accuse Government of interference” in Garaku, Kokona LGA

The Overseer said that Amba and Agaza have given consent to only Black Stones New Energy limited and Black Gem New Energy Limited to carryout mining activities in the area.

” For the purpose of history and clarity and to keep the record straight, the minerals in question(Lithium) was discover in Kware (Amba) and Agaza (Igwo} communities. respectively of Kokona Local Government Area.

” While it is not in doubt that the two communities involve, Amba and Agaza have given consent to Black Stones New Energy limited and Black Gem New Energy Limited to carryout mining activities on our Land.

” This was done after careful assessment of these companies and were proven to have knowledge and capacity to establish both production and processing factories in the two communities

“The two communities have no knowledge of any consent given to Timadex Geomin Consult Limited either by the Village Head, District Head or the paramount rulers of both Amba and Agwada Chiefdoms,” he declared

He said that the communities sought for the intervention of the state government to provide security upon discovery of the presence of some illegal miners in the area.

” We view the action of the Governor of Nasarawa state to ensure well-coordinated and productive mining activities devoid of insecurity and threat to lives of the people of our communities as good intention.

“And the right action any responsible government should take, considering the devastating consequences that comes vith mining activities.

“It is on this premise that upon discovery of the presence of some Illegal miners, we quickly solicited for the intervention of the State Government which the Governor obliged by providing security to prevent and safeguard the influx of illegal miners/the mining site,” he added

The Overseer also said that the people of the communities are fully in support of Nasarawa State Government decision on mining in the area

” We the people from these communities where this discovery was made make bold to say that we are fully in support of the Nasarawa State Government on whatever decision it may think best for the development and progress of our communities,” he said

He also said that the two communities are fully behind the Chinese companies in the area.

” We therefore, want to draw the attention of Timadex Geomin Consult that the communities of Amba and Agwada are fully behind the Chinese companies (Black Stones New Energy limited and Black Gem New Energy Limited).

” Contrary to the claimed that the native are crying foul that their land is being sold without their consent. May we state categorically that we are aware of the state government commitment to ensure proper management and coordination of mining activities in the two communities and Nasarawa State at large.

“May we also state that there is no cooperate/social responsibility undertaken in these two communities as claimed by Timadex Geomin Consult Limited,” he said.

Agye said that communities in the area were not against any indigenous mining company to obtain consent to operate in their land.

” While we are not against any indigenous mining company to obtain consent to operate in our Land. We resolved that such company must have unquestionable mining history and capacity to operate,” he said

The Overseer urged the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, D.G Cadastral Office and the Governor of Nasarawa State to ensure that only reputable mining companies with requisite capacity either local or foreign are allowed to be given license.

” On this note, we want to categorically stated that any attempt by individuals or groups of individuals to bring or support the activities of illegal miners to these communities will be strictly resisted.

” We hereby, call on the Minister of Solid Minerals Development. Mr Dele Aleke, all other relevant agencies and the general public to disregard the write up by Timadex Geomin Consult that could not hold water, rather aimed at destroying the good name and reputation of our Governor that has taken him years to build.