Mining: Bauchi bans consent letter issuance without clearance

Samuel Luka, Bauchi

Bauchi State Government has announced a total ban on issuance of consent letter to prospective mining investors in the state without getting clearance from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The state Commissioner, Ministry of Natural Resources, Maiwada Bello stated this in a press statement signed and made available to newsmen by the ministry’s information officer, Saleh Umar on Friday.

According to the commissioner, the move was in line with the State Government’s policy toward addressing the effects of environmental degradation/pollution associated with mining activities.

The statement further noted, that the ban was also aimed at addressing security challenges through formulating policies that provides enabling environment for mining sector to thrive in the State.

The statement said that the approach would enhance investors’ confidence in the solid minerals sector.

The Commissioner said, “in view of this development, the State Government henceforth banned individuals, group and traditional Heads from issuance of consent letter to any prospective Investors in the State without obtaining clearance from the Ministry”.

He called on the traditional leaders and other stakeholders in the mining Sector, especially investors to take note.