In a recent discourse on the Nigerian mining industry, Nigerian-British mining expert, Ily Maisanda, underscored the importance of shifting the focus from penalizing illegal miners to formalizing their activities. Maisanda, an Associate at Camborne School of Mines, elucidated the potential for sector advancement by integrating the activities of these so-called illegal miners into the formal economy.
According to Maisanda, the expertise and experience of these ‘Smart miners’ are valuable assets that would benefit potential investors in the sector. By formalizing their operations and integrating them into cooperatives with licensed mining operators, the government can harness their knowledge and skills for the overall improvement of the mining industry. This approach, Maisanda argued, would not only generate employment but also transform the nature of their work from haphazard to systematic.
The crux of the matter, Maisanda stressed, lies in dispelling the stigma associated with illegal mining and providing these individuals with the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the sector. By affording them formal employment and a sense of belonging, the government can incentivize them to operate within the bounds of regulatory frameworks, thereby mitigating the risks associated with unlawful mining activities. This, in turn, would result in safer working conditions and a more sustainable mining environment, reducing the likelihood of incidents such as mine collapse and related fatalities.
In addition to advocating for the formalization of illegal miners, Maisanda also called for greater autonomy for state governments in the development of mining resources. He contended that devolving power to the states would enable them to take charge of resource development within their territories, rather than being reliant on the federal government for decision-making and approvals. This, Maisanda suggested, would streamline the process of resource exploitation and empower state governments to harness their mineral wealth for the benefit of their communities.
The concept of formalizing illegal mining activities, as proposed by Maisanda, presents a compelling alternative to the prevailing approach of crackdowns and punitive measures against unlawful miners. By recognizing the untapped potential of these individuals and integrating them into the formal economy, the government has the opportunity to transform the mining sector into a more inclusive and productive industry.
It is evident that the wisdom of Maisanda’s proposal lies in its potential to not only benefit the individual miners and their families but also contribute to the economic growth of the nation. Formalizing illegal mining may indeed be the key to unlocking the true potential of the sector, and it is a concept that warrants serious consideration by the relevant authorities.
The insights shared by Maisanda serve as a reminder of the need to re-examine existing approaches and explore innovative solutions for the development of Nigeria’s mining sector. As the government continues to deliberate on policy frameworks and strategies for the industry, the perspective offered by experts such as Maisanda can provide valuable guidance for charting a path towards a more sustainable and inclusive mining economy.