Zamfara State, rich in minerals like gold, copper, and lithium, faces severe insecurity linked to illegal mining and banditry, where armed groups engage in cattle rustling and kidnappings. These resources, while valuable, have attracted criminal activities that exploit both the resources and local miners, who often endure unsafe working conditions dominated by intimidation from armed factions.

The Nigerian government instated a mining ban in 2019 to combat escalating insecurity, later expanding to a no-fly zone due to concerns that illegal gold mining funded weapon smuggling. However, the ban failed due to widespread bandit control over mining sites. Many locals remained involved in artisanal mining, as this was their only income source, ironically strengthening bandit operations financially.

Data shows the ban’s ineffectiveness, with registered deaths from insecurity increasing by 183% post-ban, indicating a worsening situation. The ban disrupted local livelihoods, pushing individuals into illegal mining, and bandits exploited this vulnerability to strengthen their criminal activities. With the mining ban lifted in December 2024, the government faced the same issues, as bandits continued to control operations despite the stated improvements in the state’s security.

Addressing these problems requires structural reforms, including the involvement of local authorities in mineral regulation and development. The government needs a comprehensive strategy to enhance security at mining sites through specialised forces and improved surveillance while establishing robust regulations on mineral extraction and sales to combat smuggling. Collaboration with local communities and international partners can also modernise Nigeria’s mining sector.

Additionally, providing alternative employment opportunities and supporting community development can address the economic vulnerabilities faced by Zamfara’s mining communities, reducing their reliance on illegal mining. Emphasising responsible mining practices will help protect both the miners’ well-being and the environment from health hazards and ecological degradation.

The situation in Zamfara highlights the complexity of balancing mineral exploitation with security and community welfare. By focusing on enhanced security measures, regulatory frameworks, and local community support, the Nigerian government could create a sustainable mining sector that deters bandit activity while benefiting the overall economy.

The article discusses the complex relationship between illegal mining, banditry, and economic dependency in Zamfara State, Nigeria. It outlines the history of mining bans instituted by the government aimed at curtailing insecurity resulting from these activities. However, the bans were largely ineffective as they disrupted local livelihoods and empowered armed groups controlling mining sites. The state’s mineral wealth offers potential for economic growth, yet poses significant governance and security challenges.

The lifting of the mining ban in Zamfara is a pivotal moment for Nigeria to tackle insecurity and better utilise mineral wealth. The previous ban revealed the intricate challenges, including worsening insecurity and local economic dependency on illegal mining. Future interventions must robustly address security, community needs, and industry regulation to prevent bandit exploitation while fostering a sustainable mining framework.

Original Source: solacebase.com

The post Can Nigeria Tackle Banditry and Harness Mineral Wealth in Zamfara? first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Dr Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, underscored Nasarawa state’s critical role in enhancing Nigeria’s mining sector during a meeting with Governor Abdullahi Sule and Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru. He highlighted Nasarawa as a mining hub, especially for lithium, and emphasised the need for ongoing collaboration to exploit the state’s mineral wealth effectively.

Nasarawa state is known for its extensive mineral resources, particularly lithium, positioning it as a pivotal area for mining efforts in Nigeria. Recent reforms in the country’s mining sector have sparked increasing interest from global investors. However, challenges such as insecurity remain, prompting the need for enhanced cooperation among state and federal officials to support mining activities while addressing security concerns.

The emphasis on collaboration between governmental bodies is crucial for advancing mining activities in Nasarawa, particularly amidst ongoing security challenges. The commitment by officials to address these issues signifies a robust strategy towards unlocking the state’s minerals potential for national growth. Overall, sustained cooperation is imperative for the mining sector’s success in Nigeria.

Original Source: blueprint.ng

The post Nasarawa State: Key to Nigeria’s Mining Future, Says Minister Alake first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, highlighted the vital role of Nasarawa State in Nigeria’s mining sector during a meeting with Governor Abdullahi Sule and Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru. Alake noted that Nasarawa, rich in lithium and other minerals, is essential for national development and expressed appreciation for the cooperative relationship with the state government.

Alake indicated that recent reforms have attracted global attention to Nigeria’s mining industry. Governor Sule praised Alake for promoting President Bola Tinubu’s mining agenda but acknowledged ongoing security challenges. Sule emphasised the need for collaboration to address these issues to facilitate uninterrupted mining operations.

Governor Sule reported that lithium production is thriving in the state, with more factories under construction. He stressed the importance of partnering with the private sector to enhance the mining value chain.

Defence Minister Badaru reaffirmed the federal government’s determination to combat insecurity, which has hindered mining activities. He reported progress in tackling banditry and assured that security measures are being intensified nationwide to enable safe mining operations.

Nasarawa State is rich in mineral resources, notably lithium, making it central to Nigeria’s mining ambitions. The government aims to leverage these resources for economic growth, hence the focus on overcoming insecurity to allow for sustainable development. Collaboration between state and federal officials is critical for addressing challenges in the mining sector and ensuring a conducive environment for investment and exploration.

The dialogue among officials underscores the significance of Nasarawa State in Nigeria’s mining landscape, stressing the interplay between resource development and security. Effective collaboration is essential to overcoming obstacles and bolstering the mining sector, ensuring that the state remains a pivotal player in national mineral development.

Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com

The post Nasarawa’s Role in Advancing Nigeria’s Mining Sector first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

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.

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.

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.