The Nasarawa State government has closed Trimadix Geomin Consult Limited, a lithium mining company operating in the Kokona Local Government Area, for failing to comply with the state’s mining regulations. The closure follows the company’s initiation of operations without adhering to established legal procedures.
During a press conference in Lafia, State Commissioner for the Environment and Natural Resources, Kwanta Yakubu, expressed his disappointment with Trimadix Geomin Consult Limited for violating necessary operational procedures. Commissioner Kwanta emphasized that the closure demonstrates the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining activities across the state, fulfilling a pledge to uphold legal mining practices.
The decision to shut down the mining company was prompted by a request from a community leader who reported unauthorized mining on his land without proper consent. Commissioner Kwanta cited Executive Order No. 02 of 2022, signed into law by Governor Abdullahi Sule, which mandates that all community consents and development agreements must be vetted and certified by the Attorney General of Nasarawa State. The order also requires mining entities to undergo legal and security checks before commencing operations in the state.
Kwanta further stated that the government would continue to monitor the mining site and ensure that only responsible investors, who are trusted by both the community and the state, are permitted to mine in the area. He noted that any mining operations found violating legal regulations would face similar closures. Trimadix Geomin Consult Limited had previously filed a complaint against the state government for alleged excessive interference in their operations.