The Minerals Commission has issued a firm statement declaring that Akonta Mining Limited lacks both environmental and operational permits necessary for conducting any legal mining activities — within or outside the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
This statement directly contradicts the company’s assertion that it holds a valid mining lease outside the forest reserve. The Commission, however, has refuted this claim, citing regulatory shortcomings.
According to a statement dated April 22, 2025, and accessed by Nigerian Mining, the Commission clarified that while Akonta Mining has made multiple attempts over the years to obtain the required licenses, none have been formally ratified or authorized for operational use.
A notable example includes a reconnaissance license for a 135.87 sq km area in Samreboi, which expired in 2012. Since then, further applications for prospecting and mining leases have either expired or failed to secure ministerial approval.
The Commission stated unequivocally, “Currently, the Company has no mining lease to mine in the forest, nor does it have a forest entry permit to enter and undertake any mining operations or activities whatsoever.”
It was further disclosed that Akonta Mining applied for a mining lease over a portion of the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in August 2022, but this application was neither signed nor approved.
The Commission classified the company’s activities in the area as unauthorised and, therefore, illegal. This assessment was reinforced by a recent security raid, which confirmed the presence of Akonta Mining agents operating within the forest reserve.
The Commission also reiterated that the company lacks essential permits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Chief Inspector of Mines.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Victoria Awuni, who signed the official statement, concluded: “Any activity or operation conducted in these areas (both inside and outside the forest reserve) constitutes illegal mining.”
This development follows the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ decision on April 20, 2025, to revoke Akonta Mining Limited’s operating license, citing illegal mining practices within the forest reserve.
