PLATEAU GOVERNMENT CLEARS 159.COMPANIES TO RESUME MINING ACTIVITIES.

Sequel to the temporary suspension on illegal mining activities in Plateau State by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the suspension was on Friday May 23,2025 lifted and certain mining companies that met the conditions set by the committee were cleared to resume operations.

Governor Mutfwang dropped the heartwarming  news today at a press conference with Journalists in Jos, Nigeria at the Old Government House, Rayfield.

According to him "It is with profound humility and deep gratitude to God Almighty that I address you today to provide a progress report on the bold and necessary decision we took exactly five months ago, on February 21, 2025, when I signed Executive Order 001 of 2025, temporarily suspending all mining activities across the 17 Local Government Areas of our beloved Plateau State".

"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. I am fully aware that Plateau State has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s mining history since 1902. The emergence of large-scale mining on the Plateau served as a catalyst for economic growth, industrial development, job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and infrastructural expansion".Mutfwang stated.

The Governor noted  "Today, many households in our state depend on mining to survive. However, three months ago, we recognized the urgent need to intervene, to bring about reforms, enhance security, and restore human dignity to our communities. That intervention was not only timely, it was necessary".

"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. This is more so that from our findings, Plateau State is the leading trading hub for minerals from all over the country and we plan to support that industry with initiatives that will be announced on a later date" says the Governor.

According to Governor Mutfwang, "Following the suspension, we promptly inaugurated a Technical Committee made up of men and women of proven integrity and expertise, drawn from diverse backgrounds. Their mandate was to engage all stakeholders in the mining sector and develop a framework that ensures compliance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and it's Regulation 2011.

I am pleased to inform you that the Committee has made significant progress. After thorough screening and verification, 159 companies have been cleared to resume operations. 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

Let me sound a clear warning: any operator or individual who has not been cleared by the Committee must stay away from all mining sites. 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.

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 parent or guardian and sanctioned accordingly".

He further statef "As part of our 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"

"Gentlemen of the Press, my fellow citizens, I deeply appreciate your patience, cooperation, and steadfast support during this period of decisive, but necessary, action. We thank the security agencies for their roles in the enforcement of the Executive Order 001, and to further warn 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 your 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.

Thank you, and May God bless Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria". 

Governor Caleb Mannaseh Muttwang added.