Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has announced that only 159 mining operators vetted and cleared by a state-appointed Technical Committee are permitted to resume operations, insisting that the temporary suspension of mining activities remains fully in effect for all non-compliant actors.
He issued the directive on Friday during a press conference at the Old Government House in Jos, warning that defaulters risk arrest and prosecution as the government strengthens enforcement of Executive Order 001, signed in February.
The governor said the decision to suspend mining activities five months ago was taken to address widespread abuse, environmental degradation, and the exploitation of young people in the sector.
“This decision was not made lightly. It was not aimed at hurting or denying our loyal and industrious citizens of their legitimate sources of livelihood. However, we recognized the urgent need to intervene, to bring about reforms, enhance security, and restore human dignity to our communities. That intervention was not only timely, it was necessary.”
“It is particularly heartbreaking to observe how many of our young people have abandoned their education to engage in artisanal mining. This unfortunate trend has exposed them to exploitation, drug abuse, prostitution, and life-threatening health risks. As a responsible and compassionate government, we could not fold our arms and watch this continue.”
He explained that the suspension paved the way for a comprehensive review process led by a Technical Committee composed of individuals with integrity and expertise. The committee screened and cleared a total of 159 operators, including six Mining Licenses, 15 Small Scale Mining Leases, 15 Exploration Licences, five Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Permits, one Quarry Lease, and 118 Tin Sheds or Buying Centers.
“Let me sound a clear warning,” Mutfwang said. “Any operator or individual who has not been cleared by the Committee must stay away from all mining sites. The suspension remains fully in effect for all non-compliant operators. The list of non-defaulting operators will be appropriately published, and any defaulter will face the full wrath of the law.”
He directed cleared operators to collect their letters of clearance from the Office of the Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, and warned that any Buying Center found purchasing minerals from unauthorized sources, particularly from underage miners, would be sanctioned.
The governor also announced plans to formalize artisanal miners into cooperatives to improve oversight and compliance, alongside the establishment of a Gemstone Skills Acquisition Centre to train young people in safer and modern mining practices.
“We are not just cleaning up the mining sector—we are building a new system entirely. Our goal is to empower, not exploit; to build, not destroy. From our findings, Plateau State is the leading trading hub for minerals from all over the country, and we plan to support that industry with initiatives that will be announced at a later date.”
“This initiative will train and empower our teeming youths, particularly our indigenous population, with the skills and necessary support needed to thrive in a modern mining sector,” he said. “We must ensure that mining, as a resource, does not become a curse to our people but a blessing that is well managed and equitably shared.”
While thanking citizens for their patience, Mutfwang expressed appreciation to security agencies for their enforcement roles but cautioned them to remain professional.
“We thank the security agencies for their roles in the enforcement of Executive Order 001, and further warn that government expects they remain within the limits of the rules of engagement.
” Together, we are laying a strong foundation to put an end to illegal, exploitative, and dangerous mining practices that have long plagued our land and contributed to insecurity.” He emphasized.
