By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Plateau State Technical Committee on Mining Reforms, recently inaugurated by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has taken a significant step toward resolving challenges affecting mining activities in the state by engaging with miners.
The committee also met with members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Plateau State.
Our reporter observed that the meeting was well attended by members of the mining community, alongside the Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development, Mr. Peter Gwom, as well as the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Ramnap.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Ramnap emphasized that the discussions aimed to find lasting solutions to the issues affecting mining activities while ensuring that all stakeholders were included in the decision-making process.
She urged miners to remain patient as the technical committee works towards providing a framework for better-organized mining activities.
Hon. Joyce Ramnap stated that the government’s goal is to foster a positive working relationship with miners while encouraging artisanal miners to form cooperative groups to benefit from government interventions.
“The decision to suspend mining activities was made in the best interest of our people. If we get it right, we get it right for Plateau State,” she said.
She called on citizens to view the governor’s action as a necessary and strategic move aimed at sanitizing the mining sector, curbing criminal activities, protecting arable land, securing infrastructure, and attracting legitimate investments to benefit the state.
ALGON is also a key partner in this effort, ensuring that traditional rulers and local government development chairmen are informed and actively engaged in the process.
“Every step in this process is aimed at fostering understanding and collaboration between miners and communities. We hope to bridge the gap and ensure that every community where mining occurs has a say in the process,” Ramnap added.
She further clarified that the measure was not a ban but a temporary suspension, stressing that mining activities could resume once critical issues were addressed.
“The suspension is meant to resolve key concerns. With the cooperation of all stakeholders, we can achieve results faster and provide clarity for decisive actions,” she stated.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Peter Gwom, emphasized that the temporary suspension of mining activities was not intended to harm anyone but to ensure that mining is well-regulated.
Some miners who spoke to journalists called on the government and the committee to expedite the review process, expressing concerns that the suspension was severely affecting their livelihoods.
