The Federal Government has officially lifted the ban on mining activities in Zamfara State, five years after it was imposed due to escalating security challenges.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, announced the decision in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja. According to him, the improved security situation in the state has created an opportunity to restart mining activities. He described Zamfara as a region rich in resources like gold, lithium, and copper, which could significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economy.
Alake acknowledged that the 2019 ban, while intended to address insecurity, had unintended consequences, allowing illegal miners to exploit the state’s resources unchecked. He emphasized the necessity of resuming regulated mining to harness the economic potential of the state.
“The existential threat to lives and properties that led to the ban has abated,” Alake stated. “With significant strides by security operatives, there is now a notable reduction in insecurity. The lifting of the ban enables Zamfara’s mining sector to begin contributing to the national revenue pool.”
The minister commended the coordinated intelligence-driven security operations under President Tinubu’s administration, which have resulted in the neutralization of key bandit commanders. A notable success was the recent capture of notorious bandit leader Halilu Sububu in a covert operation.
Alake also highlighted the importance of regulating mining activities to curb illegal operations and ensure that the nation fully benefits from Zamfara’s vast mineral wealth. He expressed optimism that better regulation would foster improved intelligence gathering and secure economic growth in the sector.
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