Illegal miners operating under security cover — Gov Kefas

Taraba Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas on Saturday, alleged that security personnel were involved in facilitating illegal mining operations responsible for the security challenges in some parts of the state.

The governor also alleged that some persons within official structures have become part of an illegal mining network, stating that the issue was not peculiar to miners operating in remote areas.

While speaking during a round table meeting with artisanal and small-scale miners in Jalingo, Kefas vow to dismantle any illegal network sustaining illegal mining, as the state government was working towards replacing unsafe mining and processing practices with safer technologies, particularly those involving mercury in gold processing.

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The governor vowed that his administration would no longer allow mineral resources to be exploited outside the government’s regulatory framework.

“I am aware that security personnel are giving cover to illegal miners to freely operate; I also have fact with me that some persons within government official structures have become part of illegal mining network.

“Let me make it clear that we would no longer allow mineral resources to be exploited outside the government regulatory framework; we will dismantle any illegal network sustaining illegal mining in the state”. The governor insisted.

Kefas informed that his government was determined to understand the structure behind the operations of illegal mining, and address it through stronger coordination among security agencies, regulators and the mining communities.

This is just as he said the administration was also developing a system to enable genuine miners to operate legally, while making it easier for government agencies to identify and deal with those exploiting the state’s mineral resources illegally.

The governor directed the miners’ association to submit a comprehensive list of equipment required by its members, including the estimated cost to government seeking financing support to acquire and deploy the equipment to designated mining sites.

“Properly equipped and registered miners would operate in designated areas, while off-takers would be encouraged to buy minerals from regulated locations; These would improve traceability and government oversight.

“Also, accurate data on miners, their communities, villages, locations and operations be compiled as part of the reform. We want reliable information to protect legitimate miners and regulate the sector.

“This arrangement would also provide the security agencies with better information on mining activities, and enable the government to distinguish genuine artisanal miners seeking a livelihood from criminal operators”. The governor directed.

In separate contributions, mining groups including, Women in Mining, and many others thanked governor Kefas for the steps taken to identify genuine miners from criminals exploiting the state’s mineral resources.