Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has announced a suspension of all mining activities in the state as a measure against escalating security issues. The decision, formalised in Executive Order 001 of 2025, was made public on Saturday in Jos.

The governor cited rising illegal mining activities, security threats, and an influx of unregulated foreign miners as key concerns. This situation has led to increases in criminal activities such as banditry, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and possession of illegal firearms.

As the state’s Chief Security Officer, Mutfwang underscored the need for the suspension to protect citizens’ security and well-being. The order limits mining site access to licensed operators, aiming to curb further criminal actions.

Effective from 21st February, the governor detailed plans for collaboration with Federal and Local Governments to establish a monitoring framework. This effort will involve host communities and mineral rights holders to support responsible resource management.

A comprehensive security review of mining areas will be conducted, alongside the creation of Community Development Agreements (CDA) to ensure socio-economic benefits for local communities.

Mutfwang also inaugurated a Technical Committee on Mining Reform, chaired by Mr Philemon Dafi, the state’s Commissioner for Justice. This committee includes other commissioners and stakeholders from the mining sector, tasked with overseeing reforms in the industry.

The Plateau State government, under Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has suspended mining activities to address security concerns linked to illegal mining and criminal activities. The initiative includes establishing a monitoring framework and creating benefits for local communities, highlighting a commitment to improving mining regulations and ensuring safety.

Original Source: www.pulse.ng

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Tin mining in Nigeria’s Plateau State has been a significant source of income for locals, but its glory days are fading rapidly. Many former miners, like Jugu Samuel, are now seeking other employment due to diminishing resources and challenges in retrieval. Local mining activities, often unlicensed and conducted under unsafe conditions, have raised concerns about the environmental and economic implications of the dwindling supply of tin, which is crucial for various technologies.

The demand for tin has surged with the global shift towards renewable energy, making the substance critical for energy transition technologies like solar panels. However, illegal mining, poor regulatory enforcement, and corruption undermine potential revenue for the Nigerian government. Despite being the ninth-largest producer of tin globally, Nigeria faces shortages, with local miners and suppliers reporting drastic declines in accessible tin due to concerns over resource depletion and increasing insecurity in mining areas.

The situation surrounding tin mining in Nigeria highlights a pressing need for effective governance and regulatory frameworks that can balance economic benefits with environmental sustainability. The significant decline in supply calls for immediate action to explore untapped resources and revitalise the mining sector, ensuring it can meet local and global demands responsibly.

Original Source: dataphyte.com

The post Nigeria’s Tin Mining Faces Decline Amid Global Demand Rising first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

In Plateau State, illicit tin mining thrives as individuals like Emma Kago profit without legal oversight. Kago’s operation employs seven workers and functions without a mining licence, claiming regulatory authorities chiefly target foreign miners. Artisanal miners extract tin, which is then sold through numerous informal “tin sheds” that avoid tracking their sources, circumventing Nigeria’s mining regulations, and depriving the government of revenue. Despite a surge in tin production, which now feeds into renewable energy demands, Nigeria’s solid mineral sector contributes marginally to the GDP, highlighting an endemic issue of illegal mining and inadequate regulation. Experts stress that while the miners earn, the bulk of the profits predominantly benefits larger traders and exporters, leaving artisanal miners undercompensated. With billions lost annually to illegal activities, systemic reform is necessary for any substantial economic benefit from these resources.

Tin mining in Plateau State, Nigeria, has a storied history dating back to colonial times, once contributing significantly to global supply. Despite a rise in demand due to the transition to renewable energy, illegal mining dominates due to a lack of stringent regulations and oversight. This has created a parallel market where only a fraction of the profits benefits the state, with most resources siphoned away by unregulated traders. The government attempts to address this with initiatives and regulations, but their implementation has been largely ineffective, leading to significant revenue losses.

The ongoing illicit tin mining in Plateau State illustrates a deep-rooted issue of unregulated practices undermining national revenue. While there is high demand globally—and profitability for some local miners—most financial gains concentrate in the hands of larger traders and exporters. For Nigeria to effectively harness its mineral wealth, there need to be stronger enforcement of regulations and a reform in how mineral resources are managed in the region.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com

The post Illicit Tin Mining in Plateau State: Profitable Yet Unregulated first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.