Ziva Community Initiative (ZCI) has urged Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASMs) in Plateau State to adhere to the recent suspension of mining activities in the region. This call was made during a workshop aimed at formalising tin and columbite ASMs in Plateau.
The group stressed that complying with government regulations is essential for cooperatives to operate legally, gain access to benefits, and enhance their credibility. ZCI emphasised that adherence to compliance regulations would allow ASMs to operate within the legal framework and ultimately contribute to a more transparent and responsible mining sector.
In their statement, ZCI expressed their commitment to formalising miners into cooperatives, which they believe will empower local communities, promote economic growth, and foster responsible mining practices. The group also seeks to create an inclusive mining industry that supports small-scale miners and contributes to Nigeria’s broader economic development.
The workshop featured resource persons Samme Philips and Samuel James Pam. Philips discussed the importance of cooperation, licensing, and compliance within cooperatives, while Pam provided financial literacy training. Pam also introduced the concept of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), noting that these associations provide alternative income sources and improved livelihoods for miners. He encouraged miners to form structured groups for access to funding, training, and market opportunities.
The event, which brought together key stakeholders including representatives from the Plateau State Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development, Women in Mining, and ASMs from Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs, concluded with the presentation of certificates to new cooperative members.
