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The Niger State Government has lifted its year-long moratorium on mining operations, introducing a set of stringent conditions to govern the industry. This move comes after Governor Umaru Bago’s initial ban, imposed to address concerns over the sector’s environmental and social impact.
In a press conference held at the Government House in Minna, Acting Governor Yakubu Garba revealed the state’s decision to conditionally lift the ban on mining activities, detailing the stringent requirements that companies must meet to operate within Niger State’s borders.
To operate in Niger State, mining firms will now be required to register with the State Ministry of Mineral Resources, a move designed to bolster security and prevent revenue losses, according to Acting Governor Yakubu Garba.
Acting Governor Yakubu Garba explained that the profiling process will serve as a vital tool for the state government to monitor mining operations, enforce regulatory compliance, and stamp out illicit mining activities.
In a further move to clamp down on illicit mining, Acting Governor Yakubu Garba launched a special task force to combat illegal mining activities throughout the state, ensuring a coordinated and effective response.
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The task force, comprising representatives from relevant government agencies, security agencies, and community leaders, was mandated to, among other responsibilities, identify illegal miners, eradicate child labour in mining sites, and verify the type of mineral title belonging to each of the license holders in the state.
According to data from the mining cadastre office, a total of 578 mineral titles have been issued to operators in Niger State, out of which 369, representing 81.46 per cent were granted on gold alone.
Shiroro, Munya and Rafi local government areas house the largest deposit of gold in the state but are the epicentre for banditry activities.
The state government attributed the banditry ubiquitous in the affected areas to mining activities hence its ban a year ago.
