This is The Processes of Obtaining Mining Exploration Licence in Nigeria – Mining rights, acquisitions and investment opportunities in Mining in solid mineral sub-sector of the mining industry in Nigeria.
Exploration of mineral deposits is the cumulative of operations involved in geological exploration and the relevant tests involved in these operations.
These operations are usually carried out to identify reserves of mineral resources in the earth’s interior and provide a geological and economic assessment of the quantity in stock.
Of all the processes involved in mining, mineral exploration is much more intensive, organized and a professional form of mineral prospecting.
The Processes of Obtaining Mining Exploration Licence in Nigeria
Table of Contents
In this article, I’m going to highlight to you the simplified procedure for obtaining an Exploration Licence in Nigeria. Incidentally too, through this post also, you will get to know how to start mining business in Nigeria, duties and functions of Nigeria mining cadastre office.
In addition are how to start a mining exploration company and how to start a gold mining company in Nigeria.
I promise you that these are simple processes which this write up offers you. The write-up is in two sections – general information and specific information on the subject matter.
The Processes of Obtaining Mining Exploration Licence in Nigeria
General Information:
The Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office:
The Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office has the following duties and functions to perform. As is contained in the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act. 2007 and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011
Just follow the details so that you will know where and how you will be helped. The Mining Cadastre office will –
Consider applications for mineral titles and permits, issue, suspend.
- Consider upon written approval of the Minister, revoke any mineral title.
- Receive and dispose of applications for the transfer, renewal, modification, relinquishment of mineral titles or extension of areas.
- Maintain a chronological record of all applications for mineral titles in a Priority Register which is to be specifically used to ascertain the priority and registration of applications for exclusive rights or free areas.
- Maintain a general register which is to be used for all other types of applications where registration of the priority is not required.
- Undertake such other activities reasonably necessary for the purpose of carrying out its duties and responsibilities under the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act. 2007 and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011.
Mining Cadastre Office Details:
Head Quarters: No 37 Lobito Crescent; Off Ademola Adetokunbo, Wuse II, Abuja Nigeria;
Also @ Plot3162B, IBB Way, Maitama, Abuja
City/Town: Wuse
State: Abuja
L.G.A: Municipal
Location Phone:
Main Contact..
Telephone: +234 (0)816-410-1937
Website/URL Address: http://www.miningcadastre.gov.ng
Before we continue, do a checklist of what you now know about mining business in Nigeria. The next stage is specific. I’ll be deliberating on the Mining Exploration Licence which is what you specifically need.
The Processes of Obtaining Mining Exploration Licence in Nigeria
Specific Information:
Exploration Licence:
- The relevant sections of the Act are -Section 48 and 59 of Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007
- The Nigeria Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011.
- The Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, on receipt of a valid application, is obliged by law to grant and issue an Exploration Licence within 30days.
- A licence will not be granted over any land that is subject of an existing Exploration Licence, Mining Lease, Small Scale Mining Lease, Quarry Lease or closed to prospecting/mining activity (e.g. forest reserves, military areas, government development areas, national heritage area etc).
- The duration of an Exploration Licence is three (3) years, and renewable for a further period of 2 terms two years each, provided that the title holder has complied with minimum work commitment/programme and all other legal requirements.
- The area of land covered by an Exploration Licence shall not exceed 200Km2 i.e.1000 CUs.
The Processes of Obtaining Mining Exploration Licence in Nigeria
READ ALSO: Bitumen Exploration in Nigeria
Documentations:
These are pre-grant conditions:
- Duly completed application forms
- Minimum work programme (Detailed) (with COMEG stamp signature)
- Evidence of financial capability (section 54 of the NMMA, 2007)
- Evidence of technical competence person (section 54 of the NMMA, 2007)
- Irrevocable Consent from land owners/ land occupiers- (section 100 of the NMMA, 2007).
- Attestation of non conviction of criminal offences under the Act.
- Certified true copy of certificate of incorporation.
- Evidence of payment of processing fees and rents
- Indicate Minerals to be explored (section 64 of the NMMA, 2007)
After the above the following must be met before developments/explorations begin,
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (section 119 of the NMMA, 2007)
- Compensation
- Closure plan/rehabilitation plan
- Reports from state bodies/MIREMCO
These are procedural matters and must be followed. Ensure you meet up with the requirement. A consultant can help you do all these.
Other licences/permits that may interest you are:
Small Scale Mining Lease
Water Use Permit
The Processes of Obtaining Mining Exploration Licence in Nigeria
Important Notices:
1. All Fees and Payments must be by Certified Bank Draft(s) to the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) and non refundable.
2. The Assignment/Transfer fees shall not be less than the processing fee.
3. The fees are subject to review
If you enjoyed this article, please share with others. Contact us if you have queries. You can do this by sending in your comments, and following us on our Facebook page and tweeter handle. Simplified Procedure for Obtaining Small Scale Mining Lease
Deacon Anekperechi Nworgu, a seasoned economist who transitioned into a chartered accountant, auditor, tax practitioner, and business consultant, brings with him a wealth of industry expertise spanning over 37 years.
