Nigeria resumes mining in Zamfara state
The government of Nigeria has lifted the ban on mining exploration in Zamfara State. Mining minister Dele Alake confirmed the report and said the suspension, imposed in 2019 due to escalating bandit attacks, has been revoked following improvements in the security situation.
Zamfara State is one of the seven states in northwestern Nigeria. The suspension period saw widespread illegal mining activities, leading to unregulated exploitation of resources. Gold mining which is at the centre of the conflict, has long been a significant economic activity which attracted both legal and illegal miners. Unfortunately, illicit gold mining took the centre stage and this portends grave danger for the state.
Benefits
The lifting of the ban is expected to attract domestic and international investors, leveraging Nigeria’s untapped mineral wealth while addressing illegal mining and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. It will also reduce dependence on oil, which currently dominates Nigeria’s economy.
Nigeria aims to increase mining’s contribution to its GDP from the current less than 1%, aligning with broader goals of economic diversification. Among the policy reforms introduced to have the goal met include; revocation of unused mining licenses, offering investors a 75% stake in a new national mining company, cutting exports of unprocessed minerals, enforcement against illegal mining.
To support the sector, Nigeria has engaged in international partnerships. A recent agreement with France focuses on training and development, complementing earlier partnerships with Germany and Australia.
“The security operatives’ giant strides have led to a notable reduction in the level of insecurity, and with the ban on exploration lifted, Zamfara’s mining sector can gradually begin contributing to the nation’s revenue pool,” mining minister Dele Alake said in a statement.
