After five years, FG lifts ban on mining activities in Zamfara

• The minister disclosed that the previous ban, which was well-intentioned, created a loophole exploited by illegal miners to fleece the nation of its resources.

The Federal Government has announced the lifting of the ban on mining activities in Zamfara State five years after the sanction was imposed.

The announcement is contained in a statement on Sunday by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.

Alake stated that the decision was necessitated by the return of relative peace and security to the northwest State, adding that the positive economic impact of a State endowed with mineral resources like Zamfara cannot be overemphasized.

“The Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration activities in Zamfara State, citing significant improvements in the security situation across the state.

“Nigeria has a lot to gain from reawakened economic activities in a highly mineralised state like Zamfara that is imbued with vast gold, Lithium, and copper belts,” the statement read.

The minister disclosed that the previous ban, which was well-intentioned, inadvertently created a loophole exploited by illegal miners to fleece the nation of its resources.

Alake also emphasized that the state’s potential for contributing to national revenue is enormous.

“The existential threat to lives and properties that led to the 2019 ban has abated. The security operatives’ giant strides have led to a notable reduction in the level of insecurity, and with the ban on exploration lifted, Zamfara’s mining sector can gradually begin contributing to the nation’s revenue pool.

“Since the beginning of the Tinubu administration, however, intelligence-driven, coordinated security operations have resulted in the neutralization of key bandit commanders, significantly reducing incidents of insecurity.

“A recent success was the capture of one of the most wanted bandit commanders, Halilu Sububu, in a covert operation in Zamfara,” he added.

The minister further stated that the lifting of the ban would also facilitate better regulation of mining activities in the state.

He said this would enable more effective intelligence gathering to combat illegal mining and ensure the country benefits from the state’s rich mineral resources