Kaduna Plans to Organise 10,000 Artisan Miners into Clusters for Growth

Kaduna Mining Development Company plans to formalise over 10,000 artisan miners into clusters to enhance productivity and comply with regulations. The initiative aims to improve resource management and market access while contributing to job creation. Stakeholders are urged to support this essential step for the mining sector’s growth.

Kaduna’s Mining Development Company, led by MD Alhaji Shuaibu Kabir Bello, is moving forward with plans to formalise over 10,000 artisan miners into structured clusters. This initiative, highlighted during a gathering by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in Kaduna, is aimed at enhancing productivity and ensuring miners comply with safety and environmental regulations.

Bello emphasised the importance of this formalisation effort, stating it will improve resource management and provide better access to markets for the miners. Additionally, he noted that having organised clusters would allow for the collection of precise data on mining activities and outputs, which is crucial.

He called upon stakeholders to support this move, raising the prospect of significant economic benefits that would extend beyond the miners and influence the mining sector positively. The MD’s comments reflect a broader vision for a more structured and efficient mining landscape in Nigeria.

Kabiru Yusuf, the state coordinator for NEPC, highlighted Kaduna’s wealth of solid mineral resources distributed across its 23 local government areas. He described the establishment of solid minerals clusters and aggregation centres as essential steps towards harnessing these resources for job creation and increased revenue.

At the event, Mrs Patience Fakai, representing Governor Uba Sani, expressed appreciation for the collaboration between NEPC and Kaduna Mining Development Company. This partnership, she argued, is pivotal to unlocking the potential of the state’s mineral sector.

Fakai pointed out that Kaduna State possesses a variety of minerals, including gold, tin, lithium, and gemstones. She asserted that, when managed properly, these resources could lead to sustainable development, significant job opportunities, and boost the state’s export competitiveness.

In summary, the Kaduna Mining Development Company is striving to bring over 10,000 artisanal miners into a formalised structure aimed at boosting productivity and compliance with regulations. This initiative is viewed as not just beneficial for miners, but a step forward for the entire mining sector in creating jobs and increasing revenue. With the backing of stakeholders, Kaduna could see a significant enhancement in its mineral resource management and export potential.

Original Source: www.zawya.com