Plateau State Government Lifts Ban on 159 Mining Operators, Warns Illegal Miners

By Asile Abel, Jos

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has announced the partial lifting of the mining suspension in the state, with 159 operators cleared to resume activities following a comprehensive review.

Governor Mutfwang made this statement at the Old Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos. He said, “It is with profound humility and deep gratitude to God Almighty that I address you today to provide a progress report on the bold and necessary decision we took exactly five months ago, on February 21, 2025, when I signed Executive Order 001 of 2025, temporarily suspending all mining activities across the 17 Local Government Areas of our beloved Plateau State.”

He emphasized that the initial ban was not intended to frustrate citizens but to restore order in the mining sector and curb the dangers that had plagued local communities.

“It is particularly heartbreaking to observe how many of our young people have abandoned their education to engage in artisanal mining,” the governor said. “This unfortunate trend has exposed them to exploitation, drug abuse, prostitution, and life-threatening health risks.”

It is particularly heartbreaking to observe how many of our young people have abandoned their education to engage in artisanal mining

Following the ban, a Technical Committee was inaugurated to investigate and recommend reforms. According to the governor, the committee has made significant progress and screened 159 companies now allowed to operate.

“After thorough screening and verification, 159 companies have been cleared to resume operations,” he stated. “These include: 6 Mining Licenses, 15 Small Scale Mining Leases, 15 Exploration Licences, 5 Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Permits, 1 Quarry Lease, and 118 Tin Sheds/Buying Centers.”

After thorough screening and verification, 159 companies have been cleared to resume operations

Governor Mutfwang issued a strong warning to illegal operators: “Any operator or individual who has not been cleared by the Committee must stay away from all mining sites. The suspension remains fully in effect for all non-compliant operators.”

To improve the mining structure, the state plans to formalize artisanal miners into cooperatives and introduce regulatory oversight over Tin Sheds and Buying Centers. He added, “Any Buying Center found purchasing minerals from unauthorized sources, particularly from underage miners, will face immediate arrest and prosecution. We call on all parents and guardians to take full responsibility for their children.”

We thank the security agencies for their roles in the enforcement of the Executive Order 001, and to further warn that government expects that security agencies would remain within limits of the rule of engagements

The administration has also approved a new Gemstone Skills Acquisition Centre to train local youths in safe, modern mining practices and equip them for the evolving sector. Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the people and security agencies for their cooperation, stating, “We thank the security agencies for their roles in the enforcement of the Executive Order 001, and to further warn that government expects that security agencies would remain within limits of the rule of engagements.”

He concluded with a call for continued support from stakeholders and the media, while stressing that the mining ban remains in effect for all unapproved operators.

“As the Technical Committee continues its noble assignment, we count on your continued support to build a safer, more prosperous Plateau State for all of us,” he said. “Please remember: the ban remains in effect. Only those cleared by the Committee are allowed to resume operations.”

Read Also: Governor Mutfwang Launches High-Powered Probe into Plateau Attacks, Aims to Restore Peace, Justice