
The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to illegal miners operating in Zamfara State to immediately vacate all mining sites, as it places a hold on all mining activities in the state pending the release of new standard operating procedures
This follows reports of lead poisoning in Bugundu Local Government Area, despite a mining ban in place for over six years.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, reacting to the incident, described the outbreak as a clear indication that illegal mining activities continue unabated, with the complicity or negligence of traditional and local authorities.
He noted that all citizens, especially traditional institutions funded by public resources, have a responsibility to uphold government directives. Dr. Alake warned that failure to enforce the ban contributes to a lawless environment with devastating health consequences.
To prevent further outbreaks, the minister disclosed that experts and ministry officials are compiling detailed reports, which will inform targeted interventions.
He praised the Zamfara State Government for deploying emergency services in response to the crisis and emphasized the need for closer collaboration between state authorities and federal agencies.
Dr. Alake assured that the Ministry will soon release new standard operating procedures to regulate mining activities in Zamfara. These will cover existing mining license holders, new applicants, community development agreements, environmental remediation, and beneficiation processes.
He further announced that the Federal Government’s recent approval of satellite technology deployment to monitor mining operations nationwide will help stamp out illegal mining and sanitize the sector