by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Following the suspension of the mining activities in Plateau State by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, a committee was set up with the mandate – “to engage all stakeholders in the mining sector and develop a framework that ensures compliance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, and its Regulation 2011.”
Governor Mutfwang has affirmed that, “The committee has made significant progress. After thorough screening and verification, 159 companies have been cleared to resume mining operations at the designated sites.”
The governor disclosed this on Friday, while briefing newsmen in Government House Jos, saying, “These include: 6 Mining Licenses,15 Small-scale Mining Leases,15 Exploration Licences, 5 Artisanal and Small-scale Mining Permits, 1 Quarry Lease, 118 Tin Sheds/Buying Centers.”
While sounding a clear warning that, any operator or individual, who has not been cleared by the Committee, must stay away from all mining sites, the governor added that, “The suspension remains fully in effect for all non-compliant operators.
“To this effect, the list of non-defaulting operators would be appropriately published, while the cleared operators are hereby directed to collect their Letters of Clearance from the Office of the Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development,” he said.
Governor Mutfwang revealed that, “Very soon, we will initiate the process of formalizing artisanal miners into cooperatives. This step will secure the supply-chain to the already cleared Tin Sheds and Buying Centers and ensure better oversight and compliance.
“Any Buying Center found purchasing minerals from unauthorized sources – particularly from underage miners – will face immediate arrest and prosecution. We call on all parents and guardians to take full responsibility for their children. Any underage child found at a mining site, instead of being in school, will be arrested along with their parents or guardians and sanctioned accordingly,” he warned.
According to him, as part of their reform measures, the government has concluded plans to train artisanal miners in safer, modern, and sustainable mining practices.
“A Gemstone Skills Acquisition Centre, sponsored by the Plateau State Government, has been approved. This initiative will train and empower our teeming youths, particularly our indigenous population, with the skills and necessary support needed to thrive in a modern mining sector,” Mutfwang stated.
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He thanked security agencies in the for their roles in the enforcement of the Executive Order 001, but further warned that, government expects that security agencies would remain within limits of the rule of engagements.
“Together, we are laying a strong foundation to put an end to illegal, exploitative, and dangerous mining practices that have long plagued our land and contributed to insecurity.
“As the Technical Committee continues its noble assignment, we count on their continued support to build a safer, more prosperous Plateau State for all of us. Please, remember: the ban remains in effect. Only those cleared by the Committee are allowed to resume operations.”
The governor stated that, it was a necessary decision they took, exactly five months ago, on February 21, 2025, when he signed Executive Order 001 of 2025, temporarily suspending all mining activities across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State, adding that, “This decision was not made lightly. It was not aimed at hurting or denying our loyal and industrious citizens of their legitimate sources of livelihood.”