FG lifts ban on mining activities in Zamfara

The Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration in Zamfara State.

It said the decision was taken after a careful review of the security situation across the state.

Recall that in 2019, the government under former President Muhammadu Buhari announced a complete ban on mining activities in Zamfara. In 2021, it also declared the state as a “no-fly zone’’ due to the prevailing insecurity in the state.

But speaking in a statement issued by the minister’s special assistant on media, Segun Tomori, on Sunday, Alake stated that the security situation was assessed by the national security adviser and the president, and approval has been given to commence mining exploration in the state.

He stated that the nation has a lot to gain from reawakened economic activities in a highly mineralised state like Zamfara which is imbued with vast gold, lithium, and copper belts.

The statement said, “The Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration activities in Zamfara State, citing significant improvements in the security situation across the state.

“This policy that we are reversing today came as a result of some serious security concerns with relevance to the solid minerals sector.

“Recall in 2019, the then FG placed a total ban on mining in Zamfara State citing security concerns which was very cogent at the time.

“It was based on existential threats to lives and properties in the state.”

He noted that the decision had brought formal activities in the mining sector in the state to a total halt, leaving the field to illegal operators.

Details later…

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