Ministry of Mines and Steel Development ``FORMALIZATION AND LEGALIZATION OF ARTISANAL AND SMALL- SCALE MINING IN NIGERIA A PRESENTATION BY ENGR. CHARLES UKA, (ARTISANAL AND SMALL-SCALE MINING DEPARTMENT), MINISTRY OF MINES AND STEEL DEVELOPMENT, AT A REGIONAL MULTI-STAKEHOLDERS WORKSHOP: ANGLOPHONE WEST AFRICA SUB-REGIONAL ACTION PLANNING ON MERCURY USE IN ARTISANAL AND SMALL SCALE GOLD MINING ORGANIZED BY THE UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME. 8 th – 10 th JUNE, 2011.

Ministry of Mines and Steel Development Artisanal Mining according to Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 means: Mining operations limited to the utilization of non mechanized methods of reconnaissance, exploration, extraction and processing of mineral resources within a Small-scale Mining Lease Area. Small-Scale Mining means: Artisanal, Alluvial and other forms of mining operations involving the use of low level technology or application of methods not requiring substantial expenditure for the Conduct of Mining Operations Within Small-Scale Lease Areas. ASM ACCORDING TO THE LAW.

Ministry of Mines and Steel Development For the first time, ASM is recognized by law and therefore regulated by government through the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. Under the Mining Act 2007, mining cooperatives and quarry associations could obtain licence to conduct mining under a small-scale mining lease area, These mining artisans who on their individual capacities could not acquire the necessary mining licence/lease are formalized into mining cooperatives and quarry associations. Mining artisans operating outside the government regulatory framework (without valid mining licence/title or lease) are referred to as illegal miners. The Ministry through the ASM department conducts the Registration/ licensing and administration of Mining Cooperatives and Mineral Buying Centres, So far over 1000 mining cooperatives/associations have indicated interest to register with the Ministry. Regulatory Framework: Restructuring ASM in Nigeria.

Ministry of Mines and Steel Development Formalization of ASM operations: Applications for registration in the ASM Department as Mining/quarry Cooperatives/associations. Verification of applications by the Department. Registration of registered Mining/quarry Cooperatives/associations. Supervision of registered Mining/quarry Cooperatives/associations.

Ministry of Mines and Steel Development Mineral Buying Centres: Marketing outlets for ASM products: Construction/concessioning of Prototype Mineral Buying Centres. Registration of Private Mineral Buying Centres. Monitoring and supervision of the Buying Centres.

Ministry of Mines and Steel Development Requirement for registration as Mining/quarry Cooperatives/associations. Applicant does the followings: Obtain registration form from State/FCT ASM officers. Fill registration form. Payment in bank draft of N5000 in favour of the Ministry. Submit form with the following document attached: i.Copy of the Certificate of registration with the State Agency for cooperative Society or the CAC. ii.Copy of bye-laws. iii.List of members stating positions held. iv.Copy of license over area of operation (if any).

Ministry of Mines and Steel Development Verification Exercise for Registration mining cooperatives/quarry associations. ASM Officers confirm the followings: i.Name of Cooperatives/Association/Organization. ii.Date of Registration. iii.Registration Number. iv.Business Address. v.Numbers of Members. vi.Mineral(s) being mined/ Quarried. vii.Site of Operation. viii.Verification Centre. ASM Officers make a report on the exercise and recommend mining cooperative for registration or not.

Ministry of Mines and Steel Development Section 91 of the Mining Act, 2007 provides that performing (and registered) Mining Cooperatives should be provided with extension services on the following areas: -Prospecting and exploration services. -Mineral reserve evaluation techniques. -Mine/quarry design and planning. -Application of modern mining technology. -Environmental Impact Assessment report and; waste and tailing disposal methods. -Health and Safety procedure in mines. -Entrepreneurship, legal, mineral marketing and mineral economics. - Provide teaching equipment and plants hire on arrangement with manufacturers. -Mineral processing technology skills.

Ministry of Mines and Steel Development THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION.