The Nasarawa State Government arrested the manager of Trimadix Geomin Consult Limited, a lithium mining company, for operating without authorisation. The arrest took place on Sunday in Amba Kure, Kokona Local Government Area, during a joint operation led by Mr. Yakubu Kwanta, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, alongside security agencies including the Police, DSS, and NSCDC.
Kwanta revealed that the firm, previously shut down in June 2024 for failing to secure community consent and state government approval, had resumed operations in secret.
“We received intelligence that the company resumed mining at night, engaging in blasting operations. We acted swiftly to halt their activities,” Kwanta said, adding that the firm had been relying on the influence of prominent figures to continue its operations.
The commissioner condemned the illegal actions as economic sabotage, warning that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated. “These activities deny us the revenue we need and pose security risks. We will not allow any company to shortchange our people or threaten our state’s security,” he said.
The government’s crackdown aligns with Governor Abdullahi Sule’s directive to curb illegal mining and protect local communities. Kwanta stressed the importance of obtaining community consent and state approval for mining operations to ensure benefits are shared equitably.
“Natural resources should serve as a blessing to our people. Mining companies must comply with state regulations and respect the rights of local communities,” Kwanta asserted. The commissioner reaffirmed Nasarawa State’s commitment to eliminating illegal mining activities and urged mining firms to prioritise transparency and adherence to the law.
