Section 70: Obligations of Mining Lease Holder.

(1) Every holder of a mining lease shall-
(a) commence mine development within eighteen months for a Mining Lease for Mineral Resources and, twelve months for a Mining Lease for Mineral Water, effective from the date that the requirements of this Act have been met, unless circumstances justify an extension of the period ;
(b) commence production no later than thirty six months for a Mining Lease for Mineral Resources and twelve months for a Mining Lease for Mineral Water, effective from the date that the requirements of this Act have been met unless circumstances justify an extension of the period ;
(c) carry out Mining operations in a skilful and efficient manner;
(d) maintain the Mining Lease area and Mining Operations in a safe manner in compliance with applicable mine health and safety regulations ;
(e) not divert water from any water course in a manner contrary to the provisions of this Act;
(f) comply with social obligations prescribed in the regulations ;
(g) comply with all requirements for Environmental Impact Assessment Studies and protection plans required under this Act ;
(h) allow access to any adjoining land through the Mining Lease area insofar as such access shall not interfere with Mining Operations ;
(i) allow the construction and use on Mining Lease area of such waterways, canals, pipelines, sewers, drains, wires, transmission lines, public roads, and public utilities as shall not interfere with Mining Operations ;
(j) compensate owners or lawful occupiers of land for the revocation of their rights to use the land under this Act ;
(k) submit information and such periodical reports as may be prescribed in the Regulations;
(l) cause to be maintained in Nigeria plans and true and sufficient books of account of the Mining operations and other businesses undertaken in the Mining Lease area, and of the sale or other disposal of the Mineral Resources obtained ; and to produce such books upon request from duly authorized officers ; and
(m) pay fees, annual rental, royalty and water usage charges, if any and as prescribed in the regulations.
(2) The activities allowed under a Mining Lease together with corresponding environmental and social obligations shall be further specified in regulations.