The minister proposed enhanced trade relations between Nigeria and the UAE, particularly regarding solid minerals, to stop illegal activity.
The minister said that more than 200 illegal miners have been arrested and about 140 undergoing prosecution across the country.
The Osun State Government charged the company with unethical business practices, and tax evasion amounting to $1.9 million. .
Mr Alake frowned at the current trend of exporting raw minerals for processing abroad, adding that it leads to economic losses and job shortages in Africa.
Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has restated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improve the welfare of senior citizens in the country.
The minister said mining operations in the area had been banned as part of measures to fish out the perpetrators of the bandits.
“We were assured that nobody will be allowed to truncate our hard-earned democracy,” he said.
“We have to be very strict with the mining companies because mining can be very devastating and destructive,” she said.
The minister said the operation, led by the commander of the mining marshals, Attah Onoja, also resulted in the arrest of seven suspects.
The new rates include an increase in mining lease licences and royalty rates of minerals, particularly lithium, kunzite and gold.
