BUA ‘at a loss’ why Edo shut down disputed Obu mine

BUA International Limited says it is at a loss as to why the Edo state government ordered the closure of Obu mine site in the Okpella area of Edo.

The government shut down the mine site over the dispute between Dangote and BUA over the ownership of the site.

In a statement on Monday, Ortega Ogra, group head, corporate communications of BUA, said his company had not received an official communication on the closure of the mines.

He explained that since the court had asked the parties to maintain status quo, BUA would abide by the court ruling.

“It is, however, interesting to note that the mine under contention, ML2541, has been claimed repeatedly by the ministry of mines and Dangote to be in Okene, Kogi state,” the statement read.

“Thus, we are curious and are at a great loss as to why the Governor of Edo State is closing down a mine in Edo State which has been claimed by the other parties involved to be outside his state in Okene, Kogi state.

“The ministry has written us prior and our response was published in our open letter to His Excellency, The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on December 4, 2017. This case remains in a competent court of
jurisdiction which has ordered all parties – BUA, Dangote, the ministry of mines and others to maintain status quo and we will continue to abide by the dictates of the court as a responsible corporate citizen.

“We are however yet to receive some form of official communication asking us to close our mining sites ML18912 and ML18913 in Edo State, thus this alleged closing down report still remains in the territory of hearsay.

“We will respond accordingly when and if we get an official communication from the proper authorities.”