In the past year, Nigeria’s Mining Marshals have made significant progress in combating illegal mining. The initiative was initiated on March 21, 2024, as part of a broader plan for solid minerals development. The team of officers has expanded from 2,220 to 2,670, enforcing mining laws and safeguarding licensed operations across the country.

Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, highlighted the Mining Marshals’ impact, stating they have curtailed illegal activities that previously flourished unchecked. He noted, “Before now, illegal miners operated with impunity… the Mining Marshals have restored order and sent a strong message that it is no longer business as usual.”

Over the last year, the enforcement unit has apprehended 327 illegal miners, with notable convictions, including two foreigners sentenced for illegal mining in Kwara State. Additionally, 98 illegally occupied mining sites have been returned to their owners, allowing them to resume operations.

Major successes include the removal of over 3,000 illegal miners from Mining Lease 19325 in Kogi State, which had been unlawfully occupied since 2016. Similar operations have occurred in Kuje, Abuja, Umunneochi in Abia State, and Ankpa in Kogi State.

While focusing on enforcement, the government is also keen on formalising artisanal mining, encouraging illegal miners to form cooperatives. Alake reminded potential offenders, “Those who refuse to comply will face the full weight of the law.”

Despite operational challenges, technology such as drones and robotic surveillance has been adopted to assist enforcement. Future expansions are anticipated due to increased funding in the 2025 Appropriation Act, and satellite technology will further enhance security in the sector.

To promote transparency and accountability, the Ministry has established an Annual Prize for the Best Report on Solid Minerals Development, administered by DAME. This initiative aims to foster investigative journalism in the mining sector.

Alake praised the dedication of the Mining Marshals and allied security forces. He stated, “As we move into the second year, we are strengthening our strategies to flush out more illegal miners and bring them to justice… the goal is to ensure that Nigeria’s solid minerals sector contributes meaningfully to national revenue and economic growth.”

The Mining Marshals have made remarkable progress in securing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector over the past year, with a focus on combating illegal mining and reclaiming sites. Their increased personnel and the implementation of technology have greatly improved enforcement and accountability. The government’s commitment to formalising artisanal mining demonstrates a balanced approach to the challenges faced in the sector. Continued efforts are expected to enhance Nigeria’s mineral contributions to national development.

Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com

The post One Year of Nigeria’s Mining Marshals: Successes and Future Goals first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

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.