Global ‘mining mafia’ feeds China’s appetite for gold, investigation shows
By Rebecca Tan LANTUNG VILLAGE, Indonesia — Hilltop after hilltop in this remote part of Indonesia is being scalped of vegetation. On the horizon, excavators lumber forward, gouging out rocks veined yellow. Nearby, milky chemicals collect in Olympic pool-sized trenches. This is the work of Chinese mining syndicates flush with capital and connections, Indonesian investigators say. And virtually none...
Illegal mining will persist because of poverty – Ajibade, Jakpor, others
By Martha AgasStakeholders in the mining sector say illegal mining will persist in Nigeria as long as poverty exists. They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that in spite of Federal Government’s measures to combat illegal mining, it remains a source of livelihood for many living in poverty.About 63 per cent of persons living in Nigeria are...
Global uncertainties drive Chinese rush to African goldfields, despite the risks
Chinese companies and miners in Africa are facing severe security threats from armed groups in search of gold, driven by soaring global prices for the precious metal. Multiple attacks and kidnappings targeting gold miners have been reported from Ghana, the Central African Republic, Mali and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in recent months. In Mali – one of Africa’s top gold producers –...
Etazuma is fueling Nigeria’s future with coal power: Special interview with Dr Innocent Ezuma
By Bankole Shakirudeen Adesina and Bernard Daniel/TheMinersEtazuma Mining and Industry, a subsidiary of the Etazuma Group, has emerged as Nigeria’s largest coal mining company, championing a renaissance in a sector long overlooked despite the country’s immense deposits.Eta-Zuma Group is a conglomerate of eight separate companies with exploration licenses covering diverse solid minerals like iron ore, gold, tantalite, coal, limestone/marble,...
U.N. Report Backs Minerals Trust
The U.N. says creating an international body to oversee critical commodities could shore up worldwide supply, but getting big players on board would be tricky By Don Nico Forbes Global competition to secure critical minerals is ramping up, and the United Nations has a plan to help countries play nice and avoid conflict. It recently set out a proposal for a...
Zimbabwe platinum miners owed millions in unpaid export earnings
Zimbabwe's platinum miners are owed millions of dollars in unpaid exports income under the government's foreign currency retention rules, the mining chamber has said, hurting operations in a sector battling to recover from a price collapse. The southern African country requires all exporters to retain only 70% of their proceeds in foreign currency, with the balance being converted to local...
FCT Minister orders immediate shutdown of illegal mining camps
*Photo:FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike chairing the FCT security committee meeting on Tuesday* Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has ordered the immediate and comprehensive clampdown on illegal mining activities springing up around the FCT, which have been identified as serious security threats to the FCT. Commissioner of Police, FCT, Ajao Saka Adewale disclosed...
US defence firms scramble for rare earth minerals after China blocks exports
By Cameron Henderson The US is scrambling to get hold of the rare earth metals needed to make weapons after China slashed its supply to American defence firms. Prices of some rare earths have increased more than 60-fold after Beijing restricted the export of the materials for defence purposes earlier this year, amid a trade war with the US. Beijing controls around...
Conversations on Nigerian Mining Laws
By Adesuwa Dan-Princewill (Mrs) Welcome, esteemed readers, to the very first article of 'The Miners Legal Column'! Our commitment here is to engage in and facilitate interactive conversations on topics related to mining and the law. The idea is to inform and be informed, to proffer and receive suggestions, and to mutually educate ourselves, all for the further development...
Quarrying activities: Court dismisses N500m negligence suit against Rockbridge Construction Ltd in Benue State
A Benue State High Court sitting in Otukpo has dismissed a suit seeking a 500 million naira damages against Rockbridge Construction Limited over its alleged hazardous quarrying activities in a community in Benue State. Justice G.A. Omale, in a judgment, held that the quality and quantum of the evidence adduced by the plaintiffs was not sufficient, convincing and strong...
