FG is considering increasing mining license fees to boost revenues

The federal government has announced plans to review mining permit rates and other fees payable by operators in the country.

Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, made this known during a consultative meeting with stakeholders in the mining industry in Abuja.

Alake said the review is imperative to enhance the government’s capacity to effectively reposition the mining sector.

Highlighting efforts to reform the industry, the minister said that in addition to the ongoing reforms, the federal government is sanitizing the mining environment through the newly unveiled marshals.

Alake said mining commissioners have carried out operations in parts of the country to protect legitimate miners and combat illegalities.

He therefore sought the support of stakeholders for the upcoming increase in mining permit fees.

“This has become inevitable if the government is to effectively meet its obligations to provide an enabling environment for mining activities while generating more revenue for the government,” the minister said.

“If we are to continue to ensure that we secure the mining environment and continue to implement measures that will alleviate the operational issues and challenges faced by miners, we must review mining permit rates and other miscellaneous fees.

“We felt that we couldn’t just do this without notifying you because you are invariably the players in the industry.”

On April 24, 924 dormant permits in four mining sectors were revoked by the federal government.

The affected areas include exploration, mining, small-scale mining and quarries.

On the recent withdrawal, Alake said the government followed due process and existing laws guiding the action, adding that the 30-day refund window still exists for affected operators.