By Terna Chikpa
Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, on Saturday alleged that some security personnel were involved in facilitating illegal mining operations responsible for security challenges in parts of the state.
The governor also alleged that some persons within official government structures had become part of the illegal mining network, stating that the issue was not peculiar to miners operating in remote areas.
Kefas spoke during a roundtable meeting with artisanal and small-scale miners in Jalingo, where he vowed to dismantle any illegal network sustaining illegal mining in the state.
He said the state government was working towards replacing unsafe mining and processing practices with safer technologies, particularly those involving the use of mercury in gold processing.
The governor vowed that his administration would no longer allow mineral resources to be exploited outside the government’s regulatory framework.
“I am aware that security personnel are giving cover to illegal miners to freely operate. I also have facts that some persons within government official structures have become part of the illegal mining network.
“Let me make it clear that we would no longer allow mineral resources to be exploited outside the government regulatory framework. We will dismantle any illegal network sustaining illegal mining in the state,” the governor insisted.
Kefas said his government was determined to understand the structure behind illegal mining operations and address it through stronger coordination among security agencies, regulators and mining communities.
He added that the administration was developing a system to enable genuine miners to operate legally while making it easier for government agencies to identify and deal with those illegally exploiting the state’s mineral resources.
The governor directed the miners’ association to submit a comprehensive list of equipment required by its members, including estimated costs, to enable the government to consider financing support for the acquisition and deployment of the equipment to designated mining sites.
“Properly equipped and registered miners would operate in designated areas, while off-takers would be encouraged to buy minerals from regulated locations. This would improve traceability and government oversight.
“Also, accurate data on miners, their communities, villages, locations and operations should be compiled as part of the reform. We want reliable information to protect legitimate miners and regulate the sector.
“This arrangement would also provide the security agencies with better information on mining activities and enable the government to distinguish genuine artisanal miners seeking a livelihood from criminal operators,” the governor directed.
In separate contributions, mining groups, including Women in Mining and others, thanked Governor Kefas for the steps taken to distinguish genuine miners from criminals exploiting the state’s mineral resources.
