The Plateau State Government has justified its decision to halt all mining activities, citing the need to protect lives and property amid rising security concerns. The Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development, Mr Peter Gwom, addressed the media in Jos on Thursday, explaining that the move was essential to curb the growing threats linked to unregulated mining.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang had issued an executive order suspending mining operations on February 21 and established a Technical Committee on Mining Reform, chaired by Commissioner for Justice Philemon Dafi, to oversee its implementation.
Gwom highlighted that while Plateau has been a mining hub since 1902, the industry’s expansion has also led to severe environmental degradation, child labour, arms proliferation, and an uptick in kidnappings and banditry.
The commissioner warned against politicising the government’s decision, urging citizens to see it as a necessary measure to sanitise the sector, curb criminal activities, and attract responsible investors. He reaffirmed that the suspension aims to secure the state’s infrastructure, protect arable land, and ensure that mining benefits the people of Plateau sustainably.
