Plateau State Governor Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on Friday May 23, 2025 cleared about 159 companies to commence mining activities in the state.
He made this known while speaking at a press conference with journalists in Jos.
Governor Mutfwang said: “Following the suspension, we promptly inaugurated a Technical Committee made up of men and women of proven integrity and expertise drawn from diverse backgrounds.
“Their mandate was to engage all stakeholders in the mining sector and develop a framework that ensures compliance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and its Regulation 2011.
“I am pleased to inform you that the committee has made significant progress.
“After thorough screening and verification, 159 companies have been cleared to resume operations. These include 6 Mining Licenses, 15 Exploration Licences, 5 Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Permits, 1 Quarry Lease, 118 Tin Sheds/Buying Centres”.
The clearance comes after the signing of Executive Order 001 in February, which halted all mining across the 17 Local Government Areas due to growing insecurity, environmental concerns, and illegal mining practices.
Governor Mutfwang explained that the suspension was necessary to restore sanity to the sector and protect vulnerable communities, especially children who have been lured into hazardous artisanal mining.
He revealed that a technical committee screen operators and granted clearance to those complaint with natural mining laws.
-9News Nigeria.
