The Women In Mining  In Nigeria (WIMIN) said the recent revocation of mineral licences by the federal government will sanitise the sector and unlock the potential of Nigeria’s lithium.

The national president, Janet Adeyemi, on Wednesday in Abuja said the move was critical in checking the `all comers syndrome rush` in the mining sector especially with the global demand for lithium.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, recently approved the revocation of 1,263 mineral licences over default in payment of annual fees.

The minister said that the licences would be deleted from the portal of the Electronic Mining Cadastral system of the Mining Cadastre Office which would create more opportunities for serious investors.

Ms Adeyemi said that if Nigeria must leverage on the global demand for lithium as one of the critical minerals needed for energy transition to develop its economy, it must sanitise mining operations in the country.

According to her, mining is technologically timed and Nigeria must take advantage of this season by ensuring that only serious and responsible operators control our concessions.

She described every dormant or defaulting licence as a missed opportunity for the nation.

“Minerals such as lithium, once seen as waste, are now in high global demand.

“Globally, critical minerals are reshaping supply chains and even foreign diplomacy. Nations are competing fiercely to secure relevance in this new era and Nigeria must not be left behind.

“By enforcing compliance, we attract credible indigenous and foreign investors, strengthen our reputation as a mining jurisdiction and ensure that Nigeria has a seat at the table in global critical mineral supply chains,” she said.

She said the revocation of the licences was not a punitive measure but corrective as well as strategic, to ensure only serious and responsible operators control Nigeria`s concessions for its sustainable development.

The WIMIN leader emphasised that Nigeria’s mineral resources were national assets that must be managed with discipline, accountability and foresight.

According to her, mining licences are not privileges to be hoarded but legal instruments tied to clear obligations, royalties, community development and environmental responsibility.

“Defaulters who ignore these obligations undermine our economy, our communities and our global reputation. They cannot be allowed to hold Nigeria back,” she said.

She commended the minister for taking bold steps toward repositioning the solid minerals sector through impactful reforms, citing the 15 years conviction of Ansaru`s commander for illegal mining as a deterrent to others.

She, however said, for the mining sector to contribute significantly to Nigeria`s sustainable development, its governance must be free of corruption and regulators need to  uphold transparency and accountability in their operations.

(NAN)