FG develops mining rules in Zamfara, says Nigeria benefiting from gold price surge

The federal government says it has developed guidelines for gold mining in Zamfara to ensure a transparent process, noting that Nigeria is benefiting from high gold prices, currently at over $3,000 per ounce.

Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, spoke at a press briefing marking the first anniversary of the mining marshals’ operations, outlining the ministry’s efforts in tackling illegal practices in the sector.

The federal government lifted a five-year ban on mining activities in Zamfara in December 2024.

Providing updates on mining activities in the region, Alake said after the ban was lifted, a committee was set up to develop a standard operating procedure for mining in the state.

“We lifted the ban on exploration in Zamfara late last year. Subsequently, I set up a committee, which is inter-agency and inter-departmental, to draw up a standard operation procedure for mining in Zamfara state in particular, given the background of what transpired there before,” he said.

“We have developed a standard operating procedure for mining in Zamfara. I have a copy of this standard operation procedure here. It is like a code for anybody who wants to operate in Zamfara.”

Alake said he had discussions with Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, and Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser, to seek their support.

“Everybody will be involved in ensuring that legitimately licensed operators in Zamfara will operate unfettered,” the minister said.

“There will be no banditry, such nefarious activities preventing legally licensed operators from carrying out their operations in Zamfara.”

The minister said the mining marshals would track and regulate solid minerals movement in Zamfara and other locations.

“Only agents registered by the mines inspectorate department will be authorised to transport minerals from mining sites to centres,” he said.

“The mining marshals shall conduct road checkpoints to ensure proper documentation and prevent mineral smuggling.

“Violators caught transporting minerals illegally will have their cargo confiscated and be prosecuted by the provisions of the Mining Act.

“All exporters of minerals for commercial purposes must be licensed at the mines inspectorate department.”

He added that mining marshals deployed in Zamfara would collaborate with security agencies, adding that exploration licences would soon be issued to applicants.

MINING MARSHALS UNCOVER 457 ILLEGAL MINING SITES IN ONE YEAR

Speaking on the operations of the mining marshals, Alake said 457 illegal mining sites were uncovered and 98 sites recovered in the past year.

“Illegal miners had occupied the licensed areas for a decade or more, displacing the actual license owners of the site,” he said.

“The mining marshals have recovered over 98 sites back to their owners in the last one year.

“So far, the mining marshals identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites and have improved intelligence gathering on these sites.”

On March 1, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, launched the mining marshals to tackle the illegal mining of solid minerals across the country.

The marshals are supervised by the federal ministry of solid minerals development, with a total of 2,220 personnel deployed to monitor illegal activities.

Within one year, Alake said 327 illegal miners were arrested, with 142 cases in court and four convictions secured.

He said two foreigners were sentenced after prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in March.

“This month, the Federal High Court, Ilorin, Kwara State, sentenced two foreigners, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, to prison for illegal mining of solid minerals following a case prosecuted by EFCC,” he said.

“We also commend the EFCC for its diligent prosecution of illegal miners.

“In May last year, the EFCC successfully prosecuted and secured the conviction of two other foreigners, Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi, to one year of imprisonment for illegal mining at another Federal High Court, also sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State.”

The minister said the marshals use robots, drones, and communication tools to monitor and target armed bandits while distinguishing them from unarmed civilians.

Alake said the marshals had previously operated directly in Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, Kwara, and the federal capital territory.

In their second year, he said, operations would expand to other states while non-kinetic measures would be intensified to strengthen ties with artisanal miners and register more cooperatives.

Encouraging the marshals to improve their efforts, the minister said the government is increasing their capacity by adding more personnel, providing additional logistics such as vehicles and equipment, and preparing them for tougher tasks.

‘NIGERIA BENEFITING FROM GOLD PRICE SURGE’

Alake said Nigeria is benefiting significantly from the global surge in gold prices.

He said over 3,000 illegal gold miners have been removed, and the country is gaining substantial royalties from legitimate gold operators.

As global gold prices rise, he said Nigeria’s earnings from legitimate gold transactions also increase, boosting national revenue.

John Attah, commandant of the mining marshals, said their operations were guided by legal provisions and reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating illegal mining.

The commandant praised Alake for his support and urged the public to see their operations as a national project aimed at the country’s progress.