Ministry warns international investors against unauthorized mining claims as CEO’s mandate is publicly disavowed.
By Goth Mohamed Goth
HARGEISA,– July 2, 2026 – The Ministry of Energy and Minerals of the Republic of Somaliland has issued a forceful rebuttal to recent international media reports, categorically denying the existence of any investment or mining agreement with Eastman Minerals Inc.
In an official press statement released from the capital on Thursday, the Ministry dismissed the purported partnership as entirely baseless, revealing that the company is neither registered nor authorized to operate within the country’s mineral sector.
No Licenses or Concessions Granted
The Ministry moved swiftly to correct what it termed “false claims,” clarifying the legal status of the Canada-based firm. According to the statement, Eastman Minerals Inc. has not been granted any mineral rights, exploration concessions, operational licenses, or legally binding investment agreements in Somaliland.
“The Ministry hereby clarifies that Eastman Minerals Inc. is not registered with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and has not been granted any legal authorization to explore for, develop, or extract mineral resources within the Republic of Somaliland,” the press release read.
CEO’s Authority Publicly Disavowed
In an unusually direct move, the government specifically targeted the credibility of the company’s leadership. Officials confirmed that Mr. Abdikadir Nur, who has publicly identified himself as the Chief Executive Officer of Eastman Minerals Inc., holds “no official recognition, authorization, or mandate” from the Somaliland government regarding the nation’s vast mineral wealth.
This explicit disavowal effectively severs any perceived governmental ties to the executive, undermining the company’s claims of having secured high-level local partnerships.
Official Investigation Underway
Beyond the public denial, the Ministry confirmed that the matter has escalated beyond a simple bureaucratic clarification. Authorities have officially launched an investigation into the company’s activities and the circulation of what the government considers misleading investment narratives.
While the Ministry did not disclose specific details regarding the scope of the probe, the announcement signals that the government views the misrepresentation of mining rights as a serious breach of regulatory protocols, potentially carrying legal consequences for those involved.
A Stern Warning to Global Investors
Somaliland has been actively courting foreign direct investment in its untapped mineral sector, which includes significant deposits of gypsum, limestone, and potential precious metals. However, the Ministry used this opportunity to issue a stringent advisory to the international business community.
All international investors, mining houses, financial institutions, and development partners were urged to directly verify the authenticity and legal standing of any proposed mining ventures with the Ministry before committing capital or entering into binding agreements.
“We call upon all stakeholders to verify the legal status of any investment opportunity relating to Somaliland’s mineral sector directly with the Ministry before entering into any agreement,” the statement emphasized.
Commitment to Regulatory Integrity
Despite the embarrassment caused by the fraudulent claims, the Ministry reiterated its dedication to fostering a secure investment climate. The government reaffirmed its stance that all mining activities must be conducted transparently, lawfully, and in strict adherence to the country’s legal and regulatory framework.
“The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that all investments in Somaliland’s mining sector are conducted transparently, lawfully, and in full compliance with the country’s legal and regulatory framework,” the statement concluded.
