The Federal Government has introduced new guidelines for gold mining in Zamfara State to ensure a transparent process and prevent illegal activities that have fuelled insecurity in the region.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Abuja during a press briefing marking the first anniversary of the ‘Mining Marshals’—a special task force established to combat illegal mining in the country.
Alake stated that following the lifting of a five-year mining ban in Zamfara in December 2024, the government set up an inter-agency and inter-departmental committee to develop a framework for mining operations in the state.
“We lifted the ban on exploration in Zamfara late last year. Subsequently, I set up a committee, which is inter-agency and inter-departmental, to draw up a standard operation procedure for mining in Zamfara State in particular, given the background of what transpired there before,” he said.
According to the minister, the committee has completed its work, and the government has now developed “a standard operating procedure for mining in Zamfara” that must be followed by all operators.
“I have a copy of this standard operation procedure here. It is like a code for anybody who wants to operate in Zamfara,” he added.
Crackdown on Illegal Mining
The government’s renewed focus on regulating mining in Zamfara comes as illegal mining has been linked to worsening insecurity, particularly banditry and armed violence in the region.
Alake noted that the Mining Marshals have recorded significant successes in their first year of operation.
“So far, the Mining Marshals identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites and have improved intelligence gathering on these sites. Illegal miners had occupied the licensed areas for a decade or more, displacing the actual licence owners of the site,” he said.
According to him, the marshals have successfully recovered 98 mining sites and returned them to their rightful owners.
In addition, the security task force has arrested 327 illegal miners, with 142 cases currently in court and four convictions secured.
The minister cited a recent case in which two foreigners—Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan—were sentenced by the Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, for illegal mining, following their prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in March.
“We also commend the EFCC for its diligent prosecution of illegal miners. In May last year, the EFCC successfully prosecuted and secured the conviction of two other foreigners, Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi, to one year of imprisonment for illegal mining at another Federal High Court, also sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State,” he added.
Ensuring Security and Transparency in Mining Operations
Alake assured Nigerians that the new guidelines would protect legitimate investors while eliminating criminal elements in the mining sector.
“Everybody will be involved in ensuring that legitimately licensed operators in Zamfara will operate unfettered. There will be no banditry, such nefarious activities preventing legally licensed operators from carrying out their operations in Zamfara,” he declared.
The government has also introduced stricter measures to monitor the movement of solid minerals in Zamfara and other states.
“Only agents registered by the Mines Inspectorate Department will be authorised to transport minerals from mining sites to centres. The Mining Marshals shall conduct road checkpoints to ensure proper documentation and prevent mineral smuggling,” Alake explained.
He warned that violators caught transporting minerals illegally would have their cargo confiscated and face prosecution under the Mining Act.
Furthermore, he revealed that the mining marshals deployed in Zamfara would collaborate with security agencies, while exploration licences would soon be issued to qualified applicants.
FG Boosting Mining Marshals’ Capacity
The Minister also announced plans to strengthen the Mining Marshals, whose personnel were first deployed on 1 March 2024 under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
“In their second year, operations will expand to other states while non-kinetic measures will be intensified to strengthen ties with artisanal miners and register more cooperatives,” he said.
Alake disclosed that the 2,220 mining marshals currently operating in the country have been equipped with robots, drones, and advanced communication tools to help distinguish between armed bandits and unarmed civilians during security operations.
He further assured that the government is increasing the capacity of the Mining Marshals by adding more personnel, providing additional logistics such as vehicles and equipment, and preparing them for tougher security challenges.
Nigeria Benefiting from Rising Gold Prices
With global gold prices exceeding $3,000 per ounce, the Minister revealed that Nigeria is now gaining more revenue from legitimate mining operations.
“Over 3,000 illegal gold miners have been removed, and the country is gaining substantial royalties from legitimate gold operators,” he stated.
As Nigeria tightens controls on the mining sector, Alake called on investors to embrace the new regulations and assured them that the government remains committed to fostering a secure and profitable mining industry.
Meanwhile, John Attah, Commandant of the Mining Marshals, reiterated that the task force remains dedicated to eliminating illegal mining activities.
He described their efforts as “a national project aimed at the country’s progress” and urged Nigerians to support the government’s commitment to sanitising the mining sector.
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