Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has alleged that some security personnel are providing cover for illegal miners operating in the state. This assertion was made during a roundtable meeting with artisanal and small-scale miners in Jalingo. According to the governor, the involvement of security personnel and some government officials is not limited to remote areas but is a widespread issue.
Governor Kefas vowed to dismantle any illegal network sustaining illegal mining in the state. He emphasized that his administration would no longer allow mineral resources to be exploited outside the government's regulatory framework. The governor also stated that the state government is working to replace unsafe mining and processing practices with safer technologies, particularly those involving mercury in gold processing.
The governor's administration is determined to understand the structure behind the operations of illegal mining and address it through stronger coordination among security agencies, regulators, and mining communities. To achieve this, the government is 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.
Governor Kefas directed the miners' association to submit a comprehensive list of equipment required by its members, including the estimated cost, to the government. This move is aimed at providing financing support to acquire and deploy the equipment to designated mining sites. The governor also emphasized the need for accurate data on miners, their communities, villages, locations, and operations to be compiled as part of the reform.
The proposed arrangement will provide security agencies with better information on mining activities and enable the government to distinguish genuine artisanal miners seeking a livelihood from criminal operators. Properly equipped and registered miners will operate in designated areas, while off-takers will be encouraged to buy minerals from regulated locations. This, the governor believes, will improve traceability and government oversight.
Various mining groups, including Women in Mining, thanked Governor Kefas for the steps taken to identify genuine miners from criminals exploiting the state's mineral resources. The groups expressed their support for the governor's efforts to regulate the sector and provide a safe and secure environment for legitimate miners to operate.
The governor's move is expected to have a positive impact on the state's mining sector and revenue generation. With the implementation of the new system, the government aims to curb the activities of illegal miners and provide a conducive environment for genuine miners to operate. The governor's efforts are also expected to improve the state's security and reduce the security challenges posed by illegal mining activities.
Key points
- Governor Kefas alleges security personnel are aiding illegal miners in Taraba State.
- The governor vows to dismantle illegal networks sustaining illegal mining in the state.
- The government plans to develop a system to enable genuine miners to operate legally and regulate the sector.
