*Says affected coys failed to pay cadastral service fees

*Insists mining laws must be obeyed

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Henry Dele Alake, has revoked 1,633 mineral titles previously granted to non-compliant mining companies.

Alake made this known during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

Alake said the affected licenses were rescinded due to the failure of the mining entities to fulfil their mandatory annual service fee of N1,500 per cadastral unit, as outlined by regulations.

A breakdown of the revoked titles includes 536 exploration licences, 279 quarry licences, 787 Small-scale Mining licences, and 31 mining leases.

Minister Alake clarified that the Mining Cadastre Office recommended revoking the titles, and under the powers conferred by the NMMA 2007, Section 5 (a), he approved the revocation.

He added that the Federal Government was committed to enforcing compliance within the mining sector, ensuring adherence to financial sector, ensuring adherence to financial obligations mandated by law.

He added that the revocation serves as a clear message regarding the importance of meeting regulatory requirements within the industry.