Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has signed an executive order suspending mining activities in the state with effect from the 21st day of February 2025.
He observed that there is an increase inflow of foreigners in the mining areas of Plateau State, a development which has significantly increase insecurity in the state including but not limited to offences of rape, banditry, illegal possession of firearms, drugs and kidnapping.
While noting that the suspension of mining activities in the state would helped guard against the situation, the governor explained that a technical committee which has been inaugurated will ascertain persons that are licensed to conduct mining activities in the state.
Governor Mutfwang further said the state government shall also partner with the federal government with a view to ascertaining the relationship and details of the appropriate standards and monitoring framework between the state, local government areas, host communities and mineral rights holders.
He assured of a holistic review of security situation in all the mining areas of the state, adequate community development as well as agreement meant to address the socio-economic contributions of the mineral rights holders to the host communities in the state.
