The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an interim injunction prohibiting the Osun State Government and its representatives from interfering with Segilola Resources Operating Limited’s (SROL) mining operations.
On October 3, 2024, Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order in response to an ex parte motion that the business had submitted.
The injunction stops the Osun State Government from interfering with Segilola Resources’ gold mining operations or preventing the company from accessing its mining site. This occurs despite continuous accusations—which SROL has vehemently refuted—against the corporation over tax obligations and environmental issues.
The injunction will be in place until October 17, 2024, when a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction is scheduled to be heard.
Legal experts contend that the court’s decision highlights how crucial it is to respect the legal system when resolving conflicts, especially in delicate mining industries where disruptions to operations can have significant negative effects on the economy. As both parties uphold the status quo, stakeholders are seeking an interpretation of the pertinent legal provisions in light of the current judicial proceedings.
In the meantime, in an effort to restore industrial and operational peace in the State, the Federal Government, acting through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, has opened an investigation into the dispute between Segilola Resources and the Osun State Government.
Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals in Nigeria, stressed in a recent statement the value of safeguarding investments in the mining industry and that mining is subject to an exclusive legal list. It is recommended that any disruptive acts be consulted with the Ministry of Solid Minerals first.
One of Nigeria’s most prosperous mining endeavours is Segilola Resources, which runs the nation’s first commercial gold mine. The business has continuously asserted that it abides by all applicable laws and is dedicated to fulfilling its obligations as a law-abiding corporate organisation. The outcome of this lawsuit, according to industry observers, may have wider ramifications for investor confidence and Nigeria’s mining industry.
