The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) has received numerous reports confirming that individuals and companies in alluvial mining districts and in other parts of the country are involved in unauthorized mining activities using heavy machinery.
Mineral Resources Authority Managing Director Jerry Garry has served an official directive to those involved in conducting these unauthorized activities to cease all operations immediately.
“The notice, consequently, serve as an official directive to those involved in conducting these unauthorized activities, to cease all operations immediately and to ensure that you comply with the following conditions:
Halt all unauthorized alluvial mining activities within fourteen (14) days from the date of the publication of this notice.
Demobilize equipment and personnel-remove all personnel, plants, and heavy machinery from unauthorized mining sites, within fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of the notice
Site rehabilitation-Backfill and rehabilitate all mind areas in an environmentally safe and responsible manner, adhering to prescribed standards
Legal compliance –apply for and be granted Alluvial Mining Lease (AML) or mining lease (ML) for Alluvial mining purposes as mandated under the Mining Act 1992 before resuming any operations
Failure to comply with this directive will result in:
Prosecution under Section 167 of the Mining Act 1992, including financial penalties and calculation of existing licenses
Confiscation of all machinery and equipment found operating in unauthorized areas after the 14 days
Addition legal action including potential criminal charges will be laid other relevant laws.
Note: this notice applies nationwide and supersedes any prior informal warnings,” Mr. Garry said.