Two Chinese nationals were convicted and sentenced for illegal mining in Nigeria, with a fine option and the forfeiture of solid minerals. The case underscores ongoing challenges with foreign involvement in illegal mining, posing threats to the economy and regulatory structure.
The Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, sentenced two Chinese nationals, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, to two years in prison for illegal mining, with an option to pay a fine. Additionally, they are ordered to pay N14 million in royalties to the Nigerian government. Any solid minerals found on their company’s premises in Ogun State will be forfeited to the government.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged the duo and their company, Crius Chemical Nigeria Limited, for dealing in unlawful solid minerals mining, violating Section 134(b) of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, which prohibits tampering with ore samples to deceive or defraud. Both convicts pleaded guilty to the charges, leading to their conviction by Judge Abimbola Awogboro, who offered them the option to pay a fine of N1 million.
Illegal mining, defined as mining without authorization, poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s economy, with ongoing involvement of foreign nationals. For instance, in October 2022, Dang Deng, the Managing Director of Sinuo Xinyang Nigeria Ltd., was convicted for possessing illegally mined minerals. Notably, in September 2024, the EFCC arrested five Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining in Akwa Ibom State, extracting ilmenite, while three Chinese and two Nigerian nationals were apprehended in Nasarawa State for mining fluorite, zinc, lead, and tin,
The prevalence of illegal mining by foreign entities raises concerns for the nation’s economy and regulatory frameworks. Despite past convictions, illegal activities continue as various cases of unauthorized mining operations persist throughout the country. The EFCC remains active in prosecuting these offenses, reflecting ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining.
The recent conviction of Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan highlights the illegal mining issue in Nigeria, underscoring the involvement of foreign nationals. The Nigerian government is imposing significant fines and penalties to deter such activities and protect economic resources. Continued enforcement and legal actions signal an effort to address the persistent challenges of unauthorized mining in the country.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
