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

The post Plateau State Suspends Mining Activities to Address Security Issues first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

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.

Since President Bola Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023, significant efforts have been made to enhance Nigeria’s mining sector as part of his wider strategy to diversify the economy. Acknowledging Nigeria’s wealth in critical minerals vital for global energy transition, Tinubu’s administration faces the challenge that despite possessing 44 commercially viable minerals, the sector has historically underperformed in contributing to GDP.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, declared a state of emergency upon his appointment. He linked illegal mining operations to funding for banditry, hampering revenue potential. In response, the government implemented a combination of law enforcement and cooperative incentives. A dedicated security unit known as the Mining Marshals was created to ensure protection and legality in mining activities, resulting in the arrest of over 300 illegal miners. Additionally, 250 cooperatives were initiated to formalise artisanal miners’ operations.

Key policies introduced include the Value Addition Policy, designed to require mining companies to present value-adding initiatives before obtaining licences. This is supported by the inauguration of a state-of-the-art laboratory for geochemical analysis, intended to improve exploration initiatives. Recent developments include a lithium processing laboratory and a tin processing plant, signalling progress in mineral processing capabilities.

July 2024 saw the introduction of increased rates and charges for mining activities, aimed at enhancing the sector’s economic contribution and improving infrastructure. The revocation of 924 dormant mining licences aims to clean the industry and boost foreign investment. While NAITI reports GDP contributions increased from N1.66 trillion in 2022 to N1.76 trillion in 2023, there is consensus that further improvements depend on addressing state interference and over-regulation.

The government’s decision to lift the mining exploration ban in Zamfara is also seen as a step towards revenue recovery. Stakeholders advocate for mandatory local content usage in oil and gas industries to enhance national revenue further. Upcoming mining conferences underline the need for technological advancements and collaborative efforts to reinforce the sector’s growth.

While optimism surrounds Tinubu’s reforms, stakeholders emphasise the importance of consistent and actionable policies in achieving sustainable progress. The minister mentioned plans for further reforms in 2025 to build on 2024’s achievements.

Nigeria’s mining sector, endowed with 44 commercially viable minerals, has historically played a minimal role in national GDP despite its potential. President Bola Tinubu’s administration has initiated efforts to revitalise the sector, focusing on addressing illegal mining’s impact on security and economic performance. This sector transformation aims to pivot Nigeria’s economy away from a mono-cultural reliance on oil, leveraging solid minerals for sustainable growth and stability.

The revitalisation of Nigeria’s mining sector under President Tinubu aims to elevate its economic contribution by addressing illegal activities and promoting value addition. Key strategies involve both coercive measures to enforce legality and initiatives to formalise artisanal operations. Despite initial progress reflected in GDP growth, overcoming structural challenges and ensuring effective policy implementation will be crucial for long-term success and development in the sector.

Original Source: nannews.ng

The post Transforming Nigeria’s Mining Sector: Progress Under Tinubu’s Administration first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

In 2024, Nigeria faced a troubling series of mine collapses, which left many miners trapped and resulted in significant casualties. Key incidents occurred in Galkogo, Adamawa, and Plateau states, with at least 22 fatalities reported. The disasters have been primarily attributed to illegal and artisanal mining practices, which often disregard safety regulations and utilise outdated equipment. The Nigerian Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, indicated a lack of expertise among artisanal miners, calling for urgent reforms in the sector to enhance safety and attract investment. With President Bola Tinubu aiming for the mining sector to contribute significantly to the economy, stakeholders advocate for better regulation and compliance, training for miners, and robust emergency preparedness measures.

To mitigate future disasters, experts suggest enforcing stricter operational standards and ensuring adequate resources for regulatory bodies. The Minister has highlighted that local authorities need to increase monitoring of illegal mining activities. Encouraging cooperative formations among miners to gain legal status and access support will facilitate safer practices. However, rising poverty and out-of-school children in mining areas present ongoing challenges to safety and livelihoods. Continued efforts towards enhancing regulations, improving living conditions, and addressing illegal mining practices are critical for the sector’s sustainable growth.

The mining industry in Nigeria has been plagued by a series of safety incidents, primarily resulting from illegal mining activities that ignore essential safety practices and regulation. In 2024, the country saw several significant mine collapses, leading to fatalities and injuries among miners, highlighting the urgent need for reforms. Experts stress that improving the sector’s regulatory framework and providing proper training and resources for miners is essential for preventing further tragedies. Additionally, the government aims to revitalise this sector to make a substantial contribution to the national economy.

The recent mine collapses in Nigeria underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the mining sector. Addressing illegal mining practices, enhancing safety regulations, and investing in regulatory bodies are essential steps for protecting miners. Stakeholders also highlight the significance of improving socio-economic conditions to reduce reliance on dangerous mining jobs. With continued governmental focus and cooperative efforts from miners, there is potential for a safer and more sustainable mining industry in Nigeria.

Original Source: blueprint.ng

The post Addressing Nigeria’s Mine Collapse Crisis: Urgent Reforms Needed first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

In 2024, Nigeria faced a series of tragic mine collapses, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities. Notable incidents occurred at Galkogo in Niger state, Gashaka-Gumti National Park spanning Adamawa and Taraba states, and in Plateau, where dozens of miners were buried or lost their lives. These disasters largely stem from artisanal and illegal mining, marked by inadequate safety measures, outdated equipment, and a lack of professional oversight. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals, highlighted the urgent need for improved regulations and enforcement within the industry to prevent further tragedies. The government aims to enhance the sector’s contribution to GDP while tackling illegal mining.

Experts advocate enforcing mining standards and enhancing regulatory capacity. The government is urged to bolster safety compliance and invest in training for miners. Local authorities are called to increase surveillance against illegal activities. Additionally, addressing Nigeria’s poverty rates is crucial, as economic desperation fuels unsafe mining practices. Overall, a collaborative effort is necessary to revitalise the mining sector, ensuring safety while expanding its economic potential and reducing fatalities from collapses.

Several major mining incidents in Nigeria in 2024 highlighted the dangers posed by artisanal and illegal mining practices. These occurrences point to a systemic failure in safety enforcement, professional training, and equipment standards in the mining sector. The current administration seeks to reform and revitalise this sector to increase its contribution to Nigeria’s economy, amidst challenges like high poverty rates and illegal mining operations that exacerbate workers’ risks.

The crisis resulting from mine collapses in Nigeria underscores the urgent need for reform in the mining sector. By enforcing safety standards, enhancing regulatory oversight, and addressing illegal mining, it is possible to prevent future disasters. Additionally, tackling poverty and providing support to miners can improve conditions and enhance the potential contributions of the mining industry to the economy.

Original Source: nannews.ng

The post Nigeria’s Mining Crisis: Addressing Fatal Collapses and Safety Challenges first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The House of Representatives in Nigeria has called on the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to enhance lithium production as a means to boost revenue. This decision follows a motion by Rep. Victor Obuzor, highlighting the sector’s underdevelopment despite the country’s rich mineral resources.

Obuzor noted that mining’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP has plummeted from about five percent in the 1950s to less than 0.8 percent today, largely due to the rise of oil and gas. He advocated for increasing focus on lithium, critical for energy-dense batteries essential in renewable energy technologies.

Although Nigeria has undetermined lithium reserves, minerals have been found in states like Nasarawa and Kogi. Given rising global demand, with lithium prices soaring to over $46,000 by 2023, there are concerns about insufficient funding for mining initiatives. The Solid Minerals Development Fund has reportedly failed to invest significantly in lithium exploration.

To address this, the legislature proposed establishing the Nigerian Lithium Production Agency, responsible for creating a comprehensive lithium industry, developing infrastructure, and implementing a regulatory framework that would bolster investments in the entire lithium value chain. The House recommended increasing funding for the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency to facilitate proper mineral mapping and surveys.

Lithium is a vital mineral for rechargeable batteries, increasingly important in the shift towards clean energy. Despite Nigeria’s potential in lithium mining, the sector has been neglected over the years in favour of oil. The current move by the House of Representatives highlights a significant shift in policy to leverage natural resources for economic stability.

In summary, the Nigerian House of Representatives is pushing for enhanced lithium production to revive the mining sector, which has seen a sharp decline. With significant global demand for lithium, strategic investments and the establishment of a dedicated agency are seen as crucial steps for Nigeria to harness its mineral wealth effectively.

Original Source: dmarketforces.com

The post Nigerian Reps Advocate for Enhanced Lithium Production Amid Global Demand first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The House of Representatives has urged the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to seek additional funding for the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to improve mineral mapping and assess Nigeria’s lithium reserves accurately. This initiative aims to stimulate revenue from lithium, which plays a crucial role in clean energy technologies. The call followed a motion by Rep. Victor Obuzor, highlighting the potential of Nigeria’s mineral wealth, particularly in lithium, which is vital for rechargeable batteries and the global energy transition.

The motion proposes establishing a Nigerian Lithium Production Agency aligned with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 to foster a comprehensive lithium industry and regulatory framework. Mr. Obuzor emphasised lithium’s increasing market value, noting a significant jump from $5,180 per tonne in 2010 to $46,000 in 2023. Despite promising lithium discoveries in several states, the country suffers from a lack of comprehensive data on reserves and inadequate funding for mining projects.

Obuzor expressed concern over missed opportunities in the lithium sector, attributing this to underinvestment and inadequate funding structures, such as the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), which has not effectively catalysed investments in lithium mining. He highlighted the need for urgent action to capitalise on the burgeoning lithium market, which is poised for significant growth in the coming years, as global demand could increase dramatically by 2040, driven by the clean energy push.

Nigeria has abundant mineral resources, yet its mining sector has declined significantly since the mid-20th century, primarily due to the oil and gas boom, which diverted focus from mining. Currently, the mining sector contributes less than 0.8% to Nigeria’s GDP compared to the continental average of nearly 5%. The urgent need for enhanced funding and strategic development in the lithium industry arises amid a growing global demand for lithium, particularly for clean energy applications such as battery production.

To revitalise Nigeria’s mining sector and leverage its lithium resources, increased funding for the NGSA and the establishment of a dedicated lithium agency are essential. With lithium’s soaring price and global demand set to rise, Nigeria has the opportunity to harness its mineral wealth, provided that necessary investments and frameworks are put into place. The call for action from the House of Representatives reflects a critical need for change in the country’s approach to mining and resource management.

Original Source: nairametrics.com

The post Reps Urge Boost for Nigeria’s Lithium Industry to Drive Revenue Growth first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The House of Representatives in Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to boost funding for lithium exploration. This call arose from a motion adopted during a plenary session, sponsored by Victor Obuzor, highlighting the significant price rise of high-quality lithium carbonate, which shifted from $5,180 in 2010 to $46,000 in 2023. Obuzor noted that neglecting lithium’s potential could mirror past errors in the oil and gas sector, where only upstream value is pursued.

The motion emphasized the need for improved funding for the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency to enhance mineral mapping and surveys for lithium deposits. Obuzor indicated that significant lithium-bearing minerals have been found in various states, yet there remains no clear estimate of the nation’s reserves. The House expressed concerns about the lack of investment in lithium mining, despite the Solid Minerals Development Fund being established for this purpose.

Following the motion’s adoption, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas advised the creation of the Nigerian Lithium Production Agency to develop a comprehensive lithium industry and its regulatory framework. Moreover, there will be an audit of the Solid Minerals Development Fund to ensure proper utilisation of resources. Nigeria’s mining sector, once a significant contributor to the economy, now only accounts for less than 0.8% of GDP, mainly due to the dominance of oil and gas development.

Lithium is a critical mineral for renewable energy technologies, yet Nigeria’s potential remains largely untapped. The country’s mining sector is historically significant but has diminished over the years as oil and gas became predominant. Recently, global demand for lithium has surged, leading to increased prices, which may incentivise investment in local exploration initiatives. Effective mining and exploration strategies are essential for rejuvenating this sector and boosting economic growth.

The Nigerian House of Representatives has highlighted the urgent need for increased funding towards lithium exploration and development, recognising the substantial economic benefits that this could bring. By pushing for enhanced geological surveys and the establishment of dedicated agencies, the House aims to unlock Nigeria’s lithium potential, which is critical amidst a global shift towards renewable energy sources. Acknowledging past mistakes in the oil sector, the government is urged to strategically invest in the lithium industry for sustainable economic growth.

Original Source: punchng.com

The post Nigerian House Advocates for Enhanced Funding in Lithium Exploration first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria possesses vast mineral resources essential for the global energy transition, including lithium, nickel, and significant quantities of gold and gemstones. However, due to a historical reliance on oil, the mining sector has been neglected, suffering from outdated legislation and ineffective governance. To stimulate growth, Nigeria must update mining laws, improve data reliability, attract investment, and ensure illegal mining is curbed. Significant reforms, including the establishment of a regulatory commission and community-based initiatives, are critical for transforming the sector and optimising its economic benefits.

Nigeria’s mining sector, despite being rich in essential minerals for batteries and other technologies, has been overshadowed by its oil wealth since the 1960s. The discovery of oil diverted attention from mining, leading to a decline in the industry. Current legislation is outdated and conflicts with state-level land governance, hindering investment. With the support of international financial institutions, there is progress in data collection and accessibility, yet substantial reform is required to realise the full potential of the sector and combat illegal mining operations that cost the country billions annually.

To unlock Nigeria’s mineral wealth, comprehensive reforms are urgently needed. This includes revising outdated laws to align with modern practices, enhancing the governance structure, and curtailing illegal mining. Implementing these measures will stimulate investment in the sector, boost economic growth, and ensure sustainable development while safeguarding community interests. The government’s proactive steps are essential to avoid repeating past mistakes and harnessing the full potential of Nigeria’s rich mineral resources.

Original Source: blogs.lse.ac.uk

The post Unlocking Nigeria’s Mineral Potential Through Effective Governance first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.