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.