The Federal Government has announced the lifting of the ban on mining activities in Zamfara State, marking a significant policy reversal. The decision comes after a careful evaluation of the security situation in the region.
The mining ban was initially imposed in 2019 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. At the time, the government cited grave security concerns and declared Zamfara a “no-fly zone” in 2021 to address the worsening insecurity in the state.
These measures were aimed at curbing criminal activities linked to illegal mining operations.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Minister of Solid Minerals’ special assistant on media, Segun Tomori, conveyed the government’s position.
According to him, the decision to lift the ban followed approvals from President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser after they reviewed the current security landscape in Zamfara.
The Federal Government expressed optimism about the potential economic revival in the mineral-rich state, which boasts vast reserves of gold, lithium, and copper.
Authorities believe that resuming formal mining operations will not only curb illegal mining but also stimulate economic activities and create jobs in the region.
The ban had previously brought legitimate mining activities in Zamfara to a standstill, leaving the sector vulnerable to unregulated and illegal exploitation.
With the policy reversal, the government hopes to ensure a safer and more structured approach to harnessing the state’s abundant mineral resources.
Further details on the implementation of the decision are expected to emerge in the coming days.
