The Nigerian government is intensifying its crackdown on illegal mining in northern states, with notable results from the Mining Marshals. Since March 2024, they have apprehended 327 illegal miners and successfully recovered 98 sites, reinstating them for legitimate use.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has highlighted the effectiveness of this special enforcement unit, announcing that 147 individuals are facing prosecution. A key operation in Kogi State saw over 3,000 illegal miners expelled from North-South Extractive Industries Limited’s site, which had been unlawfully mined since 2016.

In Kwara State, foreign illegal miners, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, received convictions, showcasing the government’s efforts against non-Nigerian miners. Abuja has also witnessed the reclamation of mining locations, including those managed by Ganan Mining Limited in Kuje.

Additional illegal sites in Niger, Zamfara, and Kaduna states have been targeted, combating the link between illegal mining and security issues such as banditry. Minister Alake underscored that the actions of the Mining Marshals have reduced illegal operations that harmed legitimate businesses.

The Marshals’ force has expanded from 2,200 to 2,679, with plans to incorporate advanced technologies like drones and robots for monitoring. Moreover, military support from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force has been critical in these enforcement initiatives.

The Nigerian government’s enhanced measures against illegal mining are yielding positive outcomes, with significant arrests and recovery of mining sites. The commitment to prosecuting offenders and employing advanced technologies indicates a robust approach to restoring order in the mining sector. Continuous support from security agencies reinforces the effort to safeguard legitimate operations and enhance the country’s mineral revenue.

Original Source: dailypost.ng

The post Nigerian Government Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Mining in the North first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, announced that mining marshals have located 457 illegal mining sites in the past year. He made this statement during the first anniversary of the mining marshals in Abuja, emphasising their success in recovering over 98 sites, allowing licensed operators to resume their activities. This recovery is expected to enhance royalties and boost the contribution of solid minerals to Nigeria’s economy.

The minister reported that the marshals have improved intelligence gathering and raised awareness of the government’s enforcement capabilities, establishing a significant deterrent against illegal mining activities. Over the past year, the mining marshals arrested 327 individuals involved in illegal operations, with ongoing court prosecutions nationwide.

Alake explained that illegal miners had occupied licensed mining areas for many years, putting legitimate license holders at risk. He tasked the mining marshals with rectifying these situations to restore access to legally licensed sites. Notable operations included removing over 3,000 illegal miners from a site in Kogi State, facilitating the return of rights to the genuine license owners.

The success of the mining marshals has extended to various locations, including Kuje, Abia State, and Ankpa, where they have effectively restored mining sites to their proper owners. New recruits receive ongoing training to enhance the marshals’ operational effectiveness, employing technology like drones for better surveillance and communication during enforcement operations.

The initiative by the mining marshals reflects a proactive approach to combating illegal mining in Nigeria. Their efforts have led to the identification and recovery of numerous sites, arrests of offenders, and enhancement of security for legitimate miners. Continued training and technological advancements suggest a sustainable strategy for maintaining law and order in the mining sector.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com

The post Nigeria’s Mining Marshals Identify 457 Illegal Sites in a Year first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.