FG approves N2.5bn for acquisition of satellite technology to curb illegal mining

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a budget of N2.5 billion for the purchase of satellite technology aimed at addressing illegal and unregulated mining activities in the country.

This was revealed by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake after a FEC meeting with President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, March 3.

He said, “The satellite equipment will be installed in strategic locations to provide real-time visual monitoring of mining operations nationwide.

“This technology will enable us to track mineral extraction, monitor truck movements, and assess security conditions at mine sites.

“Our approach has been two-pronged: persuasive and coercive.

“We have encouraged artisanal miners to form cooperatives, which has led to the formation of over 300 legalised societies.

“However, for those who remain recalcitrant, we have established the mining marshals to apprehend and prosecute illegal operators.

“Once these miners become legalised and structured, they can access financial institutions for loans, expand their businesses, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s revenue.”

Alake stated that the satellite technology will be connected to a central command center, enabling authorities to monitor activities with just the click of a button.

The minister further explained that the technology will greatly enhance efforts to fight illegal mining and promote responsible, sustainable use of mineral resources.

Alake also mentioned that state governments are becoming more involved in mining activities, which is creating a challenge for federal authorities in regulating the sector.

Adding that, “There have been cases of interference by states in mining activities.

“If there is an infraction in a state, the governor must consult us before taking action.

“We investigate and either act directly or authorise the state to act under federal cover.”

He mentioned that the government is collaborating with Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), and the Ministry of Defence to tackle illegal mining operations.

Alake stated that efforts to combat illegal mining have resulted in the arrest of 320 illegal operators.

Of these, 150 are currently undergoing prosecution, nine have been convicted, and four foreign nationals have also been prosecuted and convicted.

Alake highlighted that Nigeria has lost trillions of naira due to unregulated and illegal mining activities.

He further noted that the federal government’s control over the gold mining industry is being restricted by state-level interference, which has led to significant revenue losses.

To address this issue, he explained that the government is working with state governors and providing alternatives, such as special purpose vehicles (SPVs), to ease tensions and encourage greater state participation.

The minister stated that Nigeria has lost trillions of naira due to underreporting, illegal mining activities, and the difficulties of monitoring its expansive territory, calling the extent of the losses ‘mind-boggling.’

Alake stated that, “A very elementary, non-scientific estimate we conducted in 2023 immediately after we assumed office revealed trillions of naira lost through unregulated, under-reported, and unlicensed mining activities.

“You should not ask how much the nation has gotten from gold; you should ask how much the nation has lost in gold. It is humongous, unheard of.”

Alake stated that the federal government plans to roll out satellite surveillance technology within the next month to monitor mining activities nationwide, aiming to address revenue losses and improve security.

The minister further explained that this initiative will allow the government to track operations in remote areas, detect revenue leakages, and seal them to boost revenue generation.

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