Who we are and what we do
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The Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO) was established in 2007 with the responsibility for the Administration and Management of Mineral Titles in Nigeria in accordance with Section 5 (1) of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 (the Act).
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Our Vision and Mission
Core Values
Priority (first come first served)
"Use it or lose it" (Licensed activity must be carried out)
Objectivity (based on legally-defined sets of regulations and procedures)
Non-discretionary (same rules for all)
Transparency (open to consultation of the maps and registers)
Security of Tenure (No arbitrary termination before end of title validity)
Historical Milestones
Key Functions
The Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO), in addition to any other functions prescribed by or under Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011 (the Regulations), performs the following:
Application Consideration
Consider applications for Mineral Titles and permits, issue, suspend and upon written approval of the Minister, revoke any Mineral Title;
Application Modifications
Receive and dispose of applications for modifications (renewal, transfer, relinquishment, consolidation, extension of areas etc.) of Mineral Titles;
General Register
Maintain a general register, which is used for all other types of applications where registration of the priority is not required;
Chronological record
Maintain a chronological record of all applications for Mineral Titles in a Priority Register, which is used specifically to ascertain the priority and registration of applications for exclusive rights on free areas;
Mining Gateway
Participation in local and international mining conferences to promote local and foreign investment in Non-Oil Mineral Sector, thereby improving revenue generation
Other Activities
Undertake such other activities reasonably necessary for the purpose of carrying out its duties and responsibilities under the provisions of the Act, and the Regulations
Electronic Mining Cadastre System (eMC+)
Electronic Mining Cadastre System (eMC+)
In furthering its objective to provide an independent, efficient, transparent, modern Mining Cadastre System, which grants and administers mining licences and permits in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Regulations and consistent with best international practices; the Nigeria Mining Cadastre System has been upgraded and automated to an electronic Mining Cadastre Plus (eMC+) system. As part of the upgrade, the NMCO has established Zonal Offices in each of the six (6) geopolitical Zones of the Country.
The main functionality of the eMC+ enables fast and seamless online preparation, processing, recording, monitoring of procedures and granting of mineral rights in Nigeria.
Contact usGround Rules and Principles of Operation of eMC+
Security of tenure
Security of title
Use it or lose it
Transparent and non-discretionary procedures
Well-defined institutional responsibilities
Conducive macro-economic environment for mining investment
Priority based on First Come First Serve
