By Joy Yesufu
The Plateau State Government has lifted its five-month-old suspension on mining activities.
However, the government lifted the ban for 159 companies that have passed a rigorous verification process led by a Technical Committee.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang made the announcement during a press briefing at the Old Government House in Rayfield, Jos, on Friday.
He emphasized that the partial lifting of the mining ban follows months of stakeholder engagement and strategic reforms aimed at sanitizing the sector.
According to the governor, the cleared entities comprise: 6 Mining Licenses, 15 Small-Scale Mining Leases, 15 Exploration Licenses, 5 Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Permits, 1 Quarry Lease and 118 Tin Sheds/Buying Centers
Governor Mutfwang stated that any operator or individual not cleared by the committee must stay away from mining sites, as the ban remains fully in effect for non-compliant operators.
Letters of clearance are to be collected from the Office of the Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development.
“When I signed Executive Order 001 of 2025 to suspend all mining activities across the state’s 17 LGAs, it was not to punish citizens but to restore order, protect communities, and build a framework for sustainable growth,” the Governor explained.
He expressed concern about the growing number of young people abandoning education for artisanal mining, exposing themselves to exploitation, drug abuse, and health risks. “We had to intervene,” he said. This reform is about empowerment, not exploitation.”
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to a “win-win” model that benefits the federal government, the Plateau State Government, and host communities alike.
A Technical Committee of credible experts was inaugurated to align operations with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, and its 2011 Regulations.
“Any underage child found at a mining site, instead of in school, will be arrested along with their parent or guardian,” Mutfwang warned.
He appreciated the support of Plateau citizens, the media, and security agencies during the enforcement of the ban, but reminded security operatives to remain within the bounds of lawful engagement.
“We are laying a foundation to end illegal and exploitative mining practices that have plagued Plateau State for decades. The ban still stands for all others. Only cleared operators may resume mining,” he concluded.
