The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to illegal miners in Zamfara, instructing them to vacate all mining sites without delay. This directive follows recent incidents of lead poisoning in Bugundu Local Government Area of the state. The government emphasized that all mining activities will remain on hold until the release of a set of standard operating procedures, which will govern the resumption of legal exploration in the region.
Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, made this announcement on Tuesday, expressing concern over the lead poisoning outbreak in the state. In a statement issued by his media aide, Segun Tomori, Alake pointed out that mining had been banned in Zamfara for the past six years, making the recent poisoning cases even more troubling.
The minister criticized both traditional and local leaders in the state for allowing illegal mining to continue despite the ongoing ban, saying their failure to enforce the law had contributed to the current crisis. “It is essential for all citizens to comply with the laws put in place by the authorities. Our traditional institutions and local governments, which receive funding from the federation accounts, have an even greater responsibility to uphold these laws. When they neglect their duties, they foster a lawless environment, leading to severe consequences such as this one,” Alake stated.
As part of efforts to address the crisis, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development will be seeking expert recommendations to guide interventions aimed at preventing future incidents. Alake also praised the Zamfara State government for deploying emergency services to the affected area and urged for stronger cooperation between state officials and the Ministry in tackling the issue.
In his statement, the minister underscored the importance of removing illegal miners to safeguard the lives of innocent residents, who are being put at risk by the reckless actions of a few individuals seeking profit at any cost. Alake also revealed that the Ministry is preparing to release detailed standard operating procedures for mining activities in Zamfara. These procedures will address the concerns of current mining licence holders, new applicants, compliance with community development agreements, and the necessary steps for remediation and beneficiation in the mining sector.
Dr. Alake reiterated the government’s commitment to ending illegal mining activities by leveraging technology. He pointed to the recent approval for the deployment of satellite surveillance to monitor mining operations nationwide, which is expected to help eradicate illegal mining and curb corrupt practices in the industry.
The ban on mining in Zamfara was initially imposed due to escalating insecurity caused by bandits and the rise of illegal mining. However, following significant improvements in the security situation, the government lifted the ban in December 2024. In the wake of this development, Alake disclosed that a committee had been established to draft a set of operational guidelines for lawful mining practices in the state, marking a new phase in the regulation of the sector.
