Nigeria has resumed mining in Zamfara after a five-year suspension due to security concerns. Improved safety measures and government reforms aim to bolster the mining sector’s contribution to the economy, currently less than 1% of GDP. International partnerships are also being forged to enhance technical expertise in mining activities.
Nigeria has lifted a five-year suspension on mining activities in Zamfara state, allowing exploration to resume in a region rich in gold, lithium, and copper. The ban, imposed in 2019 due to rising violence from bandit attacks, crippled the local mining sector. Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dele Alake, attributed the lifting of the ban to enhanced security measures. These improvements are expected to help formalise the mining industry and contribute to government revenues as illegal mining had escalated during the suspension.
Zamfara’s mining potential is significant, but it has suffered from rampant insecurity and illegal activities amidst the ban. The Nigerian government aims to diversify its economy, heavily reliant on oil exports, by strengthening the mining sector, which currently contributes less than 1% to GDP. Initiatives include revoking inactive mining licenses, establishing a national mining company with foreign investment, and limiting unprocessed mineral exports. Recent agreements with international partners further aim to enhance Nigeria’s mining capacity.
The mining sector in Nigeria has faced substantial setbacks due to security issues, especially in Zamfara state, a key mining region. The 2019 suspension of mining exploration was a response to rampant banditry and violence that compromised safety and regulatory compliance. With the current government under pressure to diversify the economy from oil dependency, revitalising the mining sector presents a vital opportunity for economic growth and stability.
The lifting of the ban on mining explorations in Zamfara is a pivotal step towards restoring order in the mining sector, contributing to economic diversification and enhancing state and national revenues. With improved security and international collaboration, Nigeria aims to transform its mining industry, which could play a significant role in the national economy moving forward.
Original Source: www.chemanalyst.com