After a thorough screening and verification, the Plateau State Government has cleared 159 companies to resume mining operations in the state and has consequently warned that any underage child found at a mining site instead of being in school will be arrested along with their parent or guardian and sanctioned accordingly.
Recall that five months ago, on 21 February 2025, the state government signed Executive Order 001 of 2025, temporarily suspending all mining activities across the 17 local government areas of the state.
Addressing newsmen on Friday, Governor Caleb Mutfwang pointed out that different categories of licences were issued, including six mining licences, 15 small-scale mining leases, 15 exploration licences, five artisanal and small-scale mining permits, one quarry lease, and 118 tin sheds/buying centres.
The governor warned that any operator or individual who has not been cleared by the technical committee must stay away from all mining sites, adding that the suspension remains fully in effect for all non-compliant operators while the list of non-defaulting operators would be appropriately published.
He directed all cleared operators to collect their letters of clearance from the Office of the Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development.
“Very soon, we will initiate the process of formalising artisanal miners into cooperatives. This step will secure the supply chain to the already cleared tin sheds and buying centres and ensure better oversight and compliance.
“Any buying centre found purchasing minerals from unauthorised sources, particularly from underage miners, will face immediate arrest and prosecution. We call on all parents and guardians to take full responsibility for their children. Any underage child found at a mining site instead of being in school will be arrested along with their parent or guardian and sanctioned accordingly,” he warned.
Governor Mutfwang also disclosed that the government has concluded plans to train artisanal miners in safer, modern, and sustainable mining practices, adding that a gemstone skills acquisition centre, sponsored by the Plateau State Government, has been approved.
He highlighted that the initiative will train and empower teeming youths, particularly the indigenous population, with the skills and necessary support needed to thrive in a modern mining sector.
The governor commended the security agencies for their roles in enforcing Executive Order 001 and further warned that the government expects security agencies to remain within the limits of the rules of engagement.
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