Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang addressed the press at the Old Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, to review the status of Executive Order 001 of 2025, which temporarily suspended all mining activities across Plateau State beginning February 21, 2025.
The Governor reaffirmed that the decision was driven by the need to reform the mining sector, enhance community security, and protect the dignity of citizens especially the youth who have been exposed to exploitation and dangerous conditions through unregulated artisanal mining.
Acknowledging the economic importance of mining to Plateau State and its historic role in Nigeria’s mining sector, the Governor emphasized that the suspension was a necessary step toward establishing a more equitable and sustainable mining framework. The aim is to create a win-win system that benefits the federal and state governments, as well as host communities.
A Technical Committee was inaugurated to oversee the reform process and has now cleared 159 operators to resume activities, including:
6 Mining Licenses
15 Small Scale Mining Leases
15 Exploration Licences
5 Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Permits
1 Quarry Lease
118 Tin Sheds/Buying Centers
Only these cleared operators are permitted to resume operations. Others remain suspended, and a list of approved operators will be published. Clearance letters can be collected from the Office of the Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development.
Key reforms underway include:
Formation of artisanal miners into cooperatives
Strict enforcement against underage mining
Arrest and prosecution of any Buying Centers dealing with illegal or underage-sourced minerals
Sanctions for parents or guardians of underage miners
Additionally, the government has approved the establishment of a Gemstone Skills Acquisition Centre to train and empower youths in safe, modern mining techniques.
Governor Mutfwang expressed appreciation to Plateau citizens, the press, and security agencies for their cooperation and enforcement of the order. He called for continued support as the government works to eliminate illegal and harmful mining practices, warning that the suspension remains in force for all non-cleared operators.
