By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — The Federal Government of Somalia has issued a stern warning to both foreign nationals and Somali citizens accused of illegally extracting the country’s valuable minerals. The announcement came in an official statement released by the Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals, which condemned what it described as the unlawful exploitation of national resources.
According to the ministry, individuals and groups — some of them foreign — have been involved in the unauthorised mining and smuggling of precious minerals from various regions of the country. The government said such activities pose a direct threat to national sovereignty, economic development, and the proper management of natural resources.
The statement stressed that the extraction, transportation, and sale of minerals without government approval is a criminal offence under Somali law, and warned that the authorities will take firm action against all those involved.
The ministry said the illegal activities not only deprive the government of critical revenue but also encourage corruption, environmental damage, and insecurity in mining areas. Officials emphasised that only companies licensed by the government are permitted to explore or extract mineral resources.
The statement further noted that Somalia is committed to building a transparent and regulated mining sector that benefits the public and contributes to national development. It urged local communities to cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious mining operations and avoiding involvement in illicit extraction.
The government’s warning comes at a time when interest in Somalia’s mineral wealth has been growing, with geological surveys suggesting the presence of gold, gemstones, rare earth minerals, and other high-value resources in several regions.
The ministry reaffirmed that any foreign entity seeking to operate in Somalia must go through official channels and obtain proper authorization, adding that the government “will not tolerate the illegal exploitation of the country’s natural wealth.”
