After a five-month suspension of mining operations, the Plateau State Government has granted clearance to 159 companies to restart activities in the sector, Governor Caleb Mutfwang announced on Friday in Jos.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Rayfield Old Government House, the governor emphasized that the decision to halt all mining across the state earlier this year was necessary to reform the sector and protect citizens, particularly the youth, from exploitation.
“When I signed Executive Order 001 of 2025 suspending mining activities, it was a tough but necessary decision,” Mutfwang said. “We were not trying to hurt anyone but to restore order and ensure that mining benefits our people and our communities.”
The companies cleared to resume operations include six with mining licenses, 15 holding small-scale mining leases, another 15 with exploration licenses, five granted artisanal and small-scale permits, one quarry leaseholder, and 118 tin sheds or mineral buying centers.
Governor Mutfwang highlighted the social consequences of unregulated mining, pointing out that many youths had dropped out of school to engage in artisanal mining, exposing them to various risks including drug abuse, prostitution, and severe health hazards.
“It is heartbreaking to see our young people abandoning education to mine. We could not sit back and allow this to continue,” he said. “This reform is about empowerment, not exploitation. It’s about building a safer, more sustainable system that benefits everyone—federal and state governments and, most importantly, host communities.”
He warned that the suspension remains in force for any operator not cleared by the Technical Committee set up to oversee the reform process. The Committee, made up of industry experts, was tasked with verifying operators’ compliance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007 and its 2011 regulations.
“All operators not cleared by the Committee must stay off mining sites,” the governor stressed. “A list of compliant companies will be published, and violators—especially those buying minerals from unauthorized or underage miners—will face arrest and prosecution.”
Mutfwang also announced the government’s plan to formalize artisanal miners into cooperatives and strengthen oversight at mineral buying centers. “Any buying center dealing with underage miners will face immediate sanctions. Parents will be held accountable too,” he warned.
In a forward-looking move, the state approved the establishment of a Gemstone Skills Acquisition Centre. This initiative aims to equip local youths with modern skills for safer, more efficient mining practices.
“We’re committed to ending illegal and exploitative mining practices. Together with citizens and security agencies, we’re building a new foundation for Plateau’s mining sector,” Mutfwang concluded.
He expressed gratitude to residents for their patience during the enforcement period and commended security agencies for ensuring compliance with the executive order.
