Plateau State Clears 159 Companies to Resume Mining After Suspension

Editor May 23, 2025Last Updated: May 23, 2025

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By DAYO ADESULU

Barely five months after issuing a statewide suspension on all mining activities, the Plateau State Government has announced the clearance of 159 companies to resume operations. Governor Caleb Mutfwang made the disclosure during a press briefing on Friday at the Rayfield Old Government House in Jos.

This development follows the issuance of Executive Order 001 of 2025, which halted mining activities across all 17 Local Government Areas. The directive aimed to introduce urgent reforms, enhance safety, and tackle exploitation in the state’s mineral-rich communities.

Breakdown of Cleared Licenses and Mining Activities

According to Governor Mutfwang, the 159 entities cleared to operate include:

6 Mining Licenses
15 Small Scale Mining Leases
15 Exploration Licenses
5 Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Permits
1 Quarry Lease
118 Tin Sheds/Buying Centers

Operators cleared by the Technical Committee on Mining are required to collect their letters of clearance from the Office of the Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development.

Plateau State Mining Suspension Was a Strategic Intervention

Governor Mutfwang reiterated that the suspension was not an arbitrary crackdown but a necessary move to curb widespread illegal mining, environmental degradation, and exploitation—particularly among the youth.

“This decision was not made lightly,” Mutfwang stated. “It was aimed at restoring dignity, ensuring compliance with national regulations, and putting an end to exploitative mining practices that endanger our children and destroy our environment.”

He lamented that a significant number of Plateau’s youth had abandoned education for artisanal mining, exposing them to drug abuse, prostitution, and hazardous health conditions.

Technical Committee Ensures Regulatory Compliance

A Technical Committee of credible experts was inaugurated shortly after the mining suspension to develop a transparent framework. The committee’s mandate includes ensuring adherence to the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007 and its 2011 Regulation.

The governor stated that the committee conducted rigorous screening and verification before granting approvals. He emphasized that the reforms seek to establish a win-win framework that benefits the Federal Government, Plateau State, and host communities.

“We aim to empower, not exploit,” he said. “Our reforms are targeted at building a safer and economically viable mining environment.”

Mining Sector to Be Overhauled for Sustainability

Governor Mutfwang outlined a long-term vision for the mining industry in Plateau State, stating that the administration would soon begin formalizing artisanal miners into cooperatives. This move is expected to improve supply chain transparency and increase oversight over tin sheds and buying centers.

Additionally, he announced the establishment of a Gemstone Skills Acquisition Centre, aimed at training local youth in modern, sustainable mining practices.

Strict Enforcement Measures to Curb Illegal Operations

The governor issued a stern warning to non-compliant operators and individuals who continue mining without official clearance. He stressed that the mining suspension remains in full effect for those not cleared by the committee.

Buying centers that purchase minerals from unauthorised sources or underage miners will face immediate arrest and prosecution. Mutfwang called on parents and guardians to ensure their children are in school, warning that underage miners and their guardians would be sanctioned.

Acknowledgements and Security Directives

Governor Mutfwang commended the patience and resilience of Plateau residents throughout the enforcement period. He also praised the media and security agencies for supporting the state’s reform agenda.

“Together, we are laying a strong foundation to put an end to illegal, exploitative, and dangerous mining practices that have long plagued our land and contributed to insecurity,” he added.

He called for continued support for the work of the Technical Committee and affirmed that security forces must operate within legal boundaries.

Plateau’s Rich Mining Legacy Being Reclaimed

As one of Nigeria’s historical mining hubs since 1902, Plateau State has contributed significantly to the country’s industrial growth, foreign exchange earnings, and job creation. The current administration aims to modernize this legacy and make mining a sustainable driver of development.

Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed that the state government will continue to support responsible mining that uplifts the economy without compromising the well-being of its people or the environment.

Conclusion

The Plateau State mining suspension has proven to be more than a temporary halt—it has become a turning point in the government’s broader vision for a transparent, safe, and inclusive mining sector. With 159 companies now cleared, the stage is set for regulated growth, youth empowerment, and long-term socio-economic benefits for the state and beyond.

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