The Nigerian Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration in Zamfara State, which had been in place for over five years due to security concerns. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, announced this decision following significant improvements in the local security situation. The previous ban, enacted in 2019, was a response to the rising connection between banditry and illegal mining, leading to a significant security crisis in the state.

Alake disclosed that comprehensive assessments by President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser confirmed the enhanced safety in the region, making a return to mining viable. He highlighted Zamfara’s rich resources like gold, lithium, and copper as essential for Nigeria’s economic development. The initial ban aimed to address severe security threats but inadvertently created space for illegal mining activities.

The minister praised the Tinubu government for its effective security strategies, which have notably reduced insecurity, including the successful capture of notorious bandit leader Halilu Sububu. With the ban’s removal, the government intends to better regulate mining operations, combat illegal operations, and ensure that Nigeria derives full benefit from its mineral wealth.

Alake also acknowledged the critical role the media plays in advancing mining sector reforms and attracting investments. Additionally, he clarified that a recent Memorandum of Understanding with France focuses on training and capacity building for mining professionals, not on ceding control over Nigeria’s resources. He called on the media to continue dispelling misinformation surrounding this initiative.

Future plans for 2025 include further policy initiatives to boost the mining industry, enhance investments, and ensure sustainable growth of the sector, aiming for revitalisation and increased contributions to Nigeria’s economy.

The lifting of the mining ban in Zamfara is significant as the state has faced severe security issues linked to illegal mining operations. This ban was initially implemented due to escalating violence and criminality in the region. With improved security, the government aims to enhance the mining sector’s potential to contribute economically while regulating operations to prevent illegal mining and resource depletion.

The Nigerian Government’s decision to end the mining exploration ban in Zamfara reflects improved security. This move aims to regulate mining more effectively while revitalising the local economy through its rich mineral resources. The government, backed by security improvements and media support, is focused on sustainable growth in the mining sector for the future.

Original Source: www.tv360nigeria.com

The post Nigerian Government Resumes Mining Exploration in Zamfara After Security Improvements first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria has lifted a five-year suspension on mining activities in Zamfara state, allowing exploration to resume in a region rich in gold, lithium, and copper. The ban, imposed in 2019 due to rising violence from bandit attacks, crippled the local mining sector. Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dele Alake, attributed the lifting of the ban to enhanced security measures. These improvements are expected to help formalise the mining industry and contribute to government revenues as illegal mining had escalated during the suspension.

Zamfara’s mining potential is significant, but it has suffered from rampant insecurity and illegal activities amidst the ban. The Nigerian government aims to diversify its economy, heavily reliant on oil exports, by strengthening the mining sector, which currently contributes less than 1% to GDP. Initiatives include revoking inactive mining licenses, establishing a national mining company with foreign investment, and limiting unprocessed mineral exports. Recent agreements with international partners further aim to enhance Nigeria’s mining capacity.

The mining sector in Nigeria has faced substantial setbacks due to security issues, especially in Zamfara state, a key mining region. The 2019 suspension of mining exploration was a response to rampant banditry and violence that compromised safety and regulatory compliance. With the current government under pressure to diversify the economy from oil dependency, revitalising the mining sector presents a vital opportunity for economic growth and stability.

The lifting of the ban on mining explorations in Zamfara is a pivotal step towards restoring order in the mining sector, contributing to economic diversification and enhancing state and national revenues. With improved security and international collaboration, Nigeria aims to transform its mining industry, which could play a significant role in the national economy moving forward.

Original Source: www.chemanalyst.com

The post Nigeria Resumes Mining in Zamfara After Five-Year Suspension first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria has lifted its five-year mining ban in Zamfara State, a decision prompted by improved security conditions. Initially imposed in 2019 due to significant bandit attacks, the ban had left the state’s rich deposits of gold, lithium, and copper underutilised. Mining Minister Dele Alake credited enhanced security efforts for this turnaround and emphasised the region’s vast natural resources that could greatly boost national revenue. In a bid to diversify its economy, which heavily relies on oil, Nigeria aims to amplify the mining sector’s contribution, currently less than 1% of GDP, through reforms designed to attract investors.

The mining ban in Zamfara State, which lasted five years, was a response to increasing violence and instability linked to banditry. The region is known for its mineral wealth, including significant reserves of gold, lithium, and copper. Nigeria’s intended shift towards diversifying its economy from a predominant oil dependency underlines a national strategy to enhance other sectors, including mining. This lifting of the ban and reforms represent a critical step in revitalising the industry and attracting foreign investment.

In conclusion, lifting the mining ban in Zamfara State marks a significant development in Nigeria’s efforts to exploit its rich mineral resources and reduce its reliance on oil. With enhanced security and strategic reforms to attract investment, the country is positioned to enhance the role of the mining sector in its economy, aiming for greater contributions to GDP and national revenue.

Original Source: www.africa.com

The post Nigeria Ends Five-Year Mining Ban in Zamfara Amid Security Improvements first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria has lifted the five-year mining ban in Zamfara State following improvements in security, as announced by the Minister of Mining, Dele Alake. The ban, which was implemented in 2019 due to escalating bandit attacks, had stifled access to significant resources like gold, lithium, and copper. Alake noted the enhanced security measures have enabled the state to utilise its wealth of natural resources, which could greatly enhance Nigeria’s financial contributions beyond its heavy reliance on oil.

Zamfara State, rich in minerals, faced a ban on mining activities starting in 2019, primarily due to rising violence and insecurity from banditry. The government’s renewed focus on security has led to a reassessment of conditions in the region, prompting officials to reopen mining to harness the state’s mineral wealth. This move aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and lessen dependence on oil, which presently dominates its GDP.

The lifting of the mining ban in Zamfara represents a significant step in unlocking the state’s mineral potential, which could lead to increased national revenue. Committed to reforming the mining sector, Nigeria aims to attract more investors and enhance its economic framework, thereby fostering a more resilient economy beyond oil dependency.

Original Source: iafrica.com

The post Nigeria Lifts Mining Ban in Zamfara State Amid Improved Security first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Nigerian government has officially lifted its 2019 ban on mining in Zamfara State, citing improved security conditions. Minister Dele Alake has emphasised the state’s significant mineral wealth, including gold, lithium, and copper, and the government’s commitment to regulating mining to prevent illegal operations. This policy shift is expected to increase national revenue while promoting sustainable growth in the mining sector.

In 2019, a ban was imposed on mining activities in Zamfara to address rampant insecurity and illegal mining. Following notable improvements in the state’s security situation, the government decided to lift the ban, recognising Zamfara’s potential for rich mineral resources, which can significantly contribute to the economy. The renewed focus on regulation aims to curb illegal mining, enhance revenue collection, and attract investment in the sector.

The lifting of the mining ban in Zamfara is a crucial development for Nigeria’s economy. Not only does it aim to control illegal mining, but it also seeks to unlock the state’s mineral resources for national gain. The government’s additional plans for 2025 further indicate a commitment to creating a more sustainable and investor-friendly mining environment.

Original Source: nigerianbulletin.com

The post Nigerian Government Lifts Zamfara Mining Ban to Harness Economic Potential first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Nigerian Government has officially lifted the five-year prohibition on mining operations in Zamfara State. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, announced this decision, attributing it to substantial improvements in the state’s security situation. With Zamfara rich in gold, lithium, and copper, the government aims to enhance economic activities that had been negatively impacted by illegal mining operations during the ban. Alake noted the enhanced security efforts have led to a decline in violence, enabling a safer environment for mining. Moreover, he emphasised that the new measures will allow for improved regulation and oversight, ensuring that the nation benefits maximally from Zamfara’s mineral wealth. The Minister also reassured that a recently discussed agreement with France focused solely on training and capacity building for local mining experts.

The ban on mining in Zamfara was first imposed in 2019 due to escalating security threats from banditry and illegal mining activities that led to violence and loss of resources. Zamfara State is noted for its rich mineral deposits, making the lifting of the ban significant for Nigeria’s economy. The government aims to balance resource extraction with safety and regulation following several improvements in security measures undertaken by security agencies.

The lifting of the mining ban in Zamfara marks a crucial step in revitalising the state’s economy and harnessing its mineral resources. With improved security and a focus on regulating the mining sector, Nigeria is poised to benefit economically. The government’s assurance regarding international agreements further underscores its commitment to developing the mining industry responsibly.

Original Source: newscentral.africa

The post Nigeria Lifts Five-Year Ban on Mining in Zamfara State After Security Improvements first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria’s mining sector is rich in various minerals, contributing significantly to the economy, with an estimated US$700 billion in commercially viable resources. However, illegal mining activities, primarily led by foreign criminals, threaten this potential. Since 2020, multiple arrests, predominantly of Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining, highlight the crisis. Policymaking inconsistencies, corruption, and inadequate regulatory oversight enable these foreign actors to exploit Nigeria’s resources, particularly in regions vulnerable to banditry and local criminal networks.

The focus on gold mining attracts foreign demand, worsening criminal activities in the north-west, where links between illegal mining and armed banditry have been established. Despite its economic importance, the mining sector has been neglected by security forces until recent incidents highlighted its connection to broader insecurity. Furthermore, corruption within immigration services facilitates the entry of foreign miners under the guise of tourism.

Law enforcement officials recommend that the Nigerian government prioritise solid minerals to match its oil and gas focus. Comprehensive inter-agency collaboration is vital to address the influx of illegal foreign miners and their links to larger criminal syndicates. Community engagement is essential to combat illegal mining activities, raising awareness of their negative social, environmental, and security implications. Legal reforms are also necessary to enhance penalties for illicit mining and improve regulatory frameworks.

Nigeria, endowed with a diverse range of mineral resources, has immense potential for economic diversification and increased foreign earnings. However, the mining sector suffers from issues like illegal operations, insufficient security, and policy inconsistencies, which hinder its growth. Foreign criminals, particularly from China, have exploited these weaknesses, engaging in illegal mining, which is often linked to wider criminal activities, including banditry and corruption at multiple levels.

The illegal mining activities in Nigeria, particularly by foreign nationals, present significant threats to the country’s security and economic potential. The government’s failure to address these issues through coherent policy, adequate regulatory measures, and improved community engagement exacerbates the situation. Immediate action is required to reinforce regulations, bolster security measures, and enhance inter-agency cooperation, ensuring that Nigeria’s valuable mineral resources are protected and utilised effectively for national benefit.

Original Source: www.eurasiareview.com

The post Nigeria’s Mining Crisis: The Threat of Foreign Criminals in the Gold Sector first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.