Illegal Mining: Executive Order 001 is a Corrective Measure not Punitive – Gov. Mutfwang
- Issues Clearance to 159 Coys
- Reads Riot Act to Those Not Cleared
Our reporter
The Plateau State Government has reviewed the temporary suspension of mining activities by issuing clearance to some operators to resume mining.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang announced this while addressing newsmen in Jos.
The governor explained that the Executive Order was not punitive but corrective, emphasizing that it was “not aimed at hurting or denying our loyal and industrious citizens of their legitimate sources of livelihood.”
Gov. Mutfwang reiterated that the intervention was not only timely, it was necessary as according to him, the government recognized the urgent need to intervene and bring about reforms, enhance security, and restore human dignity to the mining communities.
Said he: “It is particularly heartbreaking to observe how many of our young people have abandoned their education to engage in artisanal mining. This unfortunate trend has exposed them to exploitation, drug abuse, prostitution, and life-threatening health risks. As a responsible and compassionate government, we could not fold our arms and watch this continue.
“We resolved to stop this disturbing trajectory by introducing a fair and sustainable system, a win-win model that ensures mining activities benefit all: the Federal Government, the Plateau State Government, and most importantly, our host communities. “Our goal is to empower, not exploit; to build, not destroy.”
While reassuring of his administration’s efforts, Gov. Mutfwang reminded the citizens that government is planning to support the industry with initiatives that would be announced later.
He explained that following the suspension, a technical committee was inaugurated with the mandate to engage all stakeholders in the mining sector and develop a framework that would ensure compliance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and its Regulation 2011.
The governor also disclosed that after thorough screening and verification, 159 companies were cleared to resume operations.
He listed the categories of the clearance to include; 6 Mining Licenses, 15 small- Scale Mining Leases,15 Exploration Licences, 5 Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Permits, 1 Quarry Lease and 118 Tin Sheds/Buying Centers.
As part of the reform measures, the governor announced that plans have been concluded for the training of artisanal miners on safer, modern, and sustainable mining practices.
He also announced that a Gemstone Skills Acquisition Centre has been approved and sponsored by the State Government.
This initiative according to Mutfwang, would train and empower the youths especially the indigenous population, with the skills and necessary support needed to thrive in a modern mining sector.
“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,” he stressed.
He however warned operators and individuals not cleared by the Committee, to stay away from all mining sites emphasizing 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. 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.”
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