Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has signed an executive order suspending all mining activities in the state.

The decision was made during a meeting with mining sector stakeholders, citing the increase in illegal mining and its negative consequences, including insecurity.

“The suspension became necessary due to the increase in illegal mining, which has led to various negative consequences, including insecurity,” Governor Mutfwang stated.

He noted that 4,600 illegal mining ponds have been identified in the state.

The Governor emphasised the need to empower security agencies to enforce the order and urged support for efforts to protect and develop the mining sector.

He also highlighted the importance of educating those interested in mining and encouraged the formation of cooperatives.

Governor Mutfwang announced plans to establish a mining village to help manage and reduce illegal activities.

The Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, Jacob Buba, commended the Governor’s action and recommended the removal of any local leaders who tolerate illegal mining.

State Commissioner for Environment, Peter Gyom, warned that unlicensed mining is illegal and announced that contact numbers would be provided for reporting illegal activities.

A technical committee, chaired by the state Commissioner for justice and Attorney General, Philemon Daffi, was inaugurated to review mining-related issues and ensure compliance with the executive order.

Illegal mining remains a significant problem in Nigeria, impacting the economy, environment, and security.

Similar issues have been reported in states like Zamfara, Nasarawa, and Niger, where illegal mining has been linked to insecurity, environmental degradation, and revenue loss.

The federal government has implemented initiatives like the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI) to address the issue, but enforcement and implementation remain challenges.