Plateau Governor Suspends All Mining Operations

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has signed an executive order suspending all mining operations in the state, effective February 21, 2025.

The decision follows concerns over illegal mining, which has been linked to crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, rape, and illegal possession of firearms and drugs. The influx of foreigners into mining areas has also been cited as a factor contributing to insecurity.

“Whereas there is an increase in illegal mining activities and insecurity associated with such mining activities in various local government areas in Plateau State. And whereas there is an increase in the inflow of foreigners in the mining areas of Plateau State, which significantly increases insecurity in the state, including but not limited to offences of rape, banditry, illegal possession of firearms, drugs, and kidnapping,” the governor stated.

A technical committee has been set up to identify those legally authorized to conduct mining and to develop a monitoring framework.

“The state government shall collaborate with the federal government to ascertain the relationship and details of the appropriate standards and monitoring framework between the state, local government areas, host communities, and mineral rights holders,” he said.

The governor also announced a review of security in mining areas, including measures to ensure that mineral rights holders contribute to local communities.

“There shall be a holistic review of the security situation in all the mining areas of the state and ensure adequate community development and agreements meant to address the socioeconomic contributions of the mineral rights holders to the host communities in the state,” Mutfwang added.

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