The Plateau State Authorities stated it has granted clearance to 159 mining firms to begin operations throughout the state, regardless of the continued suspension of mining actions instituted underneath Govt Order 001.
The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, made the announcement on Friday throughout a press briefing in Jos.
The governor had earlier suspended all mining operations within the state, citing insecurity and different urgent considerations as the idea for the choice.
Mutfwang clarified that though the suspension stays in pressure, the newly authorised firms had been screened and verified by a Technical Committee established to develop a compliance framework in keeping with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, and its 2011 Regulation.
“Following the suspension of mining actions, we promptly inaugurated a Technical Committee made up of women and men of confirmed integrity and experience, drawn from numerous backgrounds.
“Their mandate was to interact all stakeholders within the mining sector and develop a framework that ensures compliance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and its Regulation 2011.
“I’m happy to tell you that the committee has made important progress; after thorough screening and verification, 159 firms have been cleared to renew operations.
“These embrace six mining licenses, 15 small-scale mining leases,15 exploration licences, 5 artisanal and small-scale mining permits, one quarry lease and 118 tin sheds and shopping for centres,” he stated.
The governor issued a stern warning to any particular person or firm working with out official clearance, stressing that violators would face the total weight of the legislation.
Mutfwang additionally revealed plans to formalise artisanal miners into cooperatives, a transfer geared toward streamlining the availability chain linked to the cleared tin sheds and shopping for centres, whereas enhancing oversight and guaranteeing larger regulatory compliance.
In February 2025, the Plateau State Authorities imposed a ban on mining actions throughout the state in a bid to deal with rising insecurity and restore order within the sector.
Whereas Nigeria stands as Africa’s main power producer, it has struggled to maximise its intensive mineral assets attributable to inadequate incentives, unlawful actions, low funding alternatives, and neglect.
