Taraba State governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has announced plans to tackle the issue of illegal mining in the state. During a meeting with Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners in Jalingo, the governor declared that his administration would no longer tolerate the exploitation of mineral resources outside the government's regulatory framework. He alleged that some government officials and security personnel were involved in facilitating illegal mining operations, which have contributed to security challenges in some parts of the state.
Governor Kefas claimed that the problem of illegal mining was not limited to remote locations, but also involved individuals within official structures. He stated that there were more illegal mining activities within the state than in remote locations. The governor emphasized that his government was determined to understand the structure behind the illegal operations and address it through stronger coordination among security agencies, regulators, and mining communities.
To regulate the sector, Governor Kefas' administration plans to develop a system that will enable genuine miners to operate legally. The system will make 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. The government will seek financing support to acquire and deploy the equipment to designated mining sites.
Governor Kefas also announced plans to improve traceability and government oversight in the mining sector. He said that properly equipped and registered miners would operate in designated areas, while off-takers would be encouraged to buy minerals from regulated locations. This arrangement will provide security agencies with better information on mining activities and enable the government to distinguish genuine artisanal miners from criminal operators.
As part of the reform, Governor Kefas directed that accurate data on miners, their communities, villages, locations, and operations be compiled. He emphasized that reliable information would be critical to protecting legitimate miners and regulating the sector. The governor also announced plans to replace unsafe mining and processing practices with safer technologies, particularly those involving mercury in gold processing.
Governor Kefas warned that the economic value of mineral resources could not justify practices capable of exposing miners and host communities to dangerous substances. He stated that the government would work with mining stakeholders to establish practical environmental and health standards. The proposed reforms will require cooperation among the state government, federal mining authorities, security agencies, financial institutions, miners' associations, and host communities.
Governor Kefas has directed stakeholders to commence work on the modalities for the new framework, emphasizing that the reforms must protect legitimate livelihoods while ensuring that Taraba's mineral resources are properly regulated. The governor's move is expected to have a significant impact on the mining sector in Taraba State, and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the implementation of the new framework.
Key points
- Governor Kefas' administration plans to develop a system to enable genuine miners to operate legally and make it easier to identify and deal with illegal mining activities.
- The governor directed the compilation of accurate data on miners, their communities, villages, locations, and operations to regulate the sector.
- The proposed reforms aim to protect legitimate livelihoods while ensuring that Taraba's mineral resources are properly regulated.
