Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has announced the lifting of the five-month mining suspension for 159 licensed operators, following a careful review by a government-appointed technical committee. The suspension, enforced across all 17 local government areas in the state, was part of Executive Order 001 signed by the governor to address illegal and unsafe mining practices.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Mutfwang explained that the ban was never intended to punish law-abiding citizens or companies but to reform the mining sector for the benefit of all stakeholders — the government, the people, and the environment.
“Plateau State has played a central role in Nigeria’s mining industry since 1902. Mining contributed significantly to economic growth and job creation. But recent developments called for urgent intervention,” he said.
He lamented the increasing number of young people abandoning school to engage in artisanal mining, exposing themselves to exploitation, drug abuse, health risks, and even criminal activities.
“This is a trend we cannot ignore. As a responsible and compassionate government, we had to step in. We aim to create a win-win situation that ensures mining benefits everyone, especially host communities,” the governor stated.
Mutfwang added that the lifting of the ban applies only to operators cleared by the government’s technical committee. These include:
– 15 Co-Mining Licenses
– 15 Small Scale Mining Leases
– 15 Exploration Licenses
– 5 Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Permits
– 1 Quarry Lease
– 118 Tin Sheds and Buying Centers
He warned that any operator not included in this list remains banned from engaging in mining activities. “Let me be clear: the ban is still in effect for those not cleared. No one should step foot on any mining site without proper authorization,” Mutfwang warned.
The governor stressed that the state is working closely with the Federal Government and local communities to develop a mining system that promotes transparency, accountability, and long-term development. He added that the goal is to ensure mining no longer damages communities or fuels insecurity.
“This reform is not just about law and order. It’s about human dignity, about ensuring that our resources are managed wisely and sustainably. We want to build, not destroy. Empower, not exploit,” he said.
The suspension, declared five months ago, had drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders. While some praised the government’s stance on illegal mining, others raised concerns about the economic impact on local communities dependent on mining for survival.
With the partial lifting of the ban, the government hopes to balance economic needs with environmental safety and social responsibility.
Governor Mutfwang concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to repositioning Plateau State as a model for responsible mining practices in Nigeria.
