The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has issued a warning to foreign entities involved in funding banditry to carry out illegal mining activities in the country.

Minister Oladele Alake delivered this message during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Nigeria-China Chamber of Mines, led by Dr Olugbenga Ajala, the National President.

Alake emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to forming a multi-agency task force aimed at curtailing the activities of illegal miners and their collaborators. He restated that the government has granted illegal miners a 30-day window to formalize their operations to continue legally.

The Minister explained that this initiative is intended to organize and regulate small-scale artisanal miners, ensuring maximum contributions to the Federal Government. Furthermore, he cautioned against foreign operators supporting banditry for illicit mining, urging them to cease such activities or face legal consequences.