FG Lifts Five-Year Ban on Mining in Zamfara, Citing Improved Security

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Federal Government has announced the lifting of a five-year ban on mining exploration in Zamfara State, citing significant improvements in security across the state. This decision is expected to revitalize the mining sector, which has been dormant since the ban was imposed in 2019 due to rising insecurity and banditry.

According to Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the ban inadvertently created an opportunity for illegal miners to exploit the state’s rich mineral resources, including gold, lithium, and copper. With the ban lifted, Zamfara’s mining sector is poised to contribute meaningfully to the national revenue and enable better regulation of mining activities.

A recent success was the capture of Halilu Sububu, one of the most wanted bandit commanders, in a covert operation in Zamfara

The minister attributed the improved security situation to intelligence-driven, coordinated security operations that have resulted in the neutralization of key bandit commanders. A recent success was the capture of Halilu Sububu, one of the most wanted bandit commanders, in a covert operation in Zamfara.

The lifting of the ban is expected to facilitate better regulation of mining activities, enabling more effective intelligence gathering to combat illegal mining and ensure the country benefits from the state’s rich mineral resources.

The government aims to introduce policies to revitalize the mining sector, consolidate reforms, and create a more favorable investment environment

Looking ahead to 2025, the government aims to introduce policies to revitalize the mining sector, consolidate reforms, and create a more favorable investment environment for sustainable growth.