Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has reviewed Executive Order 001 of 2025, which temporarily suspended all mining activities across the 17 local government areas of the state.
Briefing Journalists in Jos, Governor Mutfwang said the decision to suspend mining activities was not made lightly and not aimed at hurting or denying citizens their legitimate sources of livelihood.
“I am fully aware that Plateau State has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s mining history since 1902. The emergence of large-scale mining on the Plateau served as a catalyst for economic growth, industrial development, job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and infrastructural expansion,” the governor stated.
The governor expressed concerns over the high rate of young people who have abandoned their education to engage in artisanal mining, as the unfortunate trend has exposed them to exploitation, drug abuse, prostitution, and life-threatening health risks.
The technical committee recommendations informed the review after thorough screening and verification, with 159 companies cleared to resume mining operations in the state.
These include six mining companies with licenses, 15 small scale mining leases, 15 exploration licences, five artisanal and small-scale mining permits, one quarry lease and 118 tin sheds/buying centers across the state.
The governor warned any operator or individual who has not been cleared by the committee to stay away from all mining sites, as the suspension remains fully in effect for all non-compliant operators.
To this effect, the list of non-defaulting operators would be appropriately published while the cleared operators are directed to collect their letters of clearance from the office of the commissioner for environment, climate change and mineral development.
