Stakeholders in the solid minerals and metal sectors have sought Presidential Executive Order that would prevent the export of Lithium.
They made this call on Tuesday in Ilorin, Kwara State capital on the second day of the fifth National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development Meeting attended by over 100 stakeholders in the sector.
They reasoned that the executive order should include other energy minerals, to discourage their export in its raw form while the government reviews the mining and mineral Act of 2007.
The need for periodic review of royalties on lithium and other energy transition mineral and synergy among government, industries/operators and the academia in lithium business were among the recommendations made by the stakeholders.
They presented recommendations on community development and inclusiveness in the minerals and metal sector, tackling illegal mining operations in Nigeria, technological innovation: a pivotal game-changer for the mineral and metal industry, Lithium as energy transition minerals in Nigeria and Mineral Resources management: a key to realisation of economic diversification for the nation.
The recommendations also included adequately funding relevant Ministries, Agencies and Departments of the sector saddle with the responsibility of exploration/geoscience data generation, and also encourage/support investors/researcher with Incentive.
Commenting on addressing illegal mining, some of the recommendations included, “Promote the amendment of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011 to curb illegal mining and also adopt strategies such as enforcement of existing laws, establishment of special courts for trial of illegal miners and economic saboteurs, enhance surveillance and monitoring of mines field, Community engagement, public awareness and to enhance the capacity building of Officers of the Ministry.
“Improve on existing collaboration and synergy between Federal, State and Local Governments by strengthening and funding adequately Mineral Resources Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) to perform its statutory functions.
“Proper funding of the Special Mines Surveillance Taskforce (SMSTF) to enable it deliver on its mandates of tackling the menace of illegal mining reducing environmental degradation and plugging revenue leakages amongst others.”
