From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Five months after the Plateau State Government suspended all mining activities across its 17 local government areas, Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has announced that 159 companies have now been cleared to resume operations following a rigorous screening and verification process.
The governor made this disclosure on Friday while briefing journalists at the Government House in Jos, stating that the action is part of broader reforms aimed at sanitizing the mining sector and ensuring compliance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and its 2011 Regulations.
According to Governor Mutfwang, the cleared operators 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
He emphasized that the suspension imposed under Executive Order 001 of 2025, signed on February 21, remains in full effect for any operator not cleared by the technical committee set up to oversee the mining reform process.
“Let me sound a clear warning,” Governor Mutfwang said. “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.”
The governor explained that the list of compliant and non-defaulting operators would be published publicly. Cleared operators have been directed to collect their letters of clearance from the Office of the Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development.
In a move to strengthen regulation and oversight, Governor Mutfwang announced that the government will soon initiate the formalization of artisanal miners into cooperatives. This, he said, will help regulate the supply chain to the authorized Tin Sheds and Buying Centers and ensure adherence to industry standards.
The governor also issued a stern warning to buying centers involved in illegal transactions.
“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 cautioned.
As part of its commitment to long-term reforms, the Plateau State Government has also approved the establishment of a Gemstone Skills Acquisition Centre. Sponsored by the state government, the center aims to train and empower youths—particularly the indigenous population—with modern, safer, and sustainable mining practices.
“The training center will serve as a beacon of knowledge and opportunity,” Governor Mutfwang noted. “It is part of our broader vision to build a modern mining sector that contributes positively to the state’s economy and the well-being of our people.”
Governor Mutfwang commended the security agencies for their role in enforcing Executive Order 001 and reiterated that their operations must remain within the limits of the rule of engagement.
“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,” he said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a transparent, accountable, and inclusive mining sector that supports economic growth while preserving environmental integrity and community safety.
“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 temporary suspension of mining activities, Governor Mutfwang stressed, was not intended to deprive citizens of their livelihoods but to protect lives, the environment, and the state’s natural resources from exploitation and abuse.
“We took a necessary decision on February 21, 2025. It was not made lightly,” he concluded. “It was a decisive step toward a better future for Plateau State.”