Speaking at a press conference held at the Old Government House in Jos on May 23, 2025, Governor Mutfwang emphasized that the initial suspension was necessary to address security concerns, reform the mining sector, and protect the environment. The governor expressed concern over the growing number of young people abandoning education to engage in artisanal mining, exposing themselves to exploitation, drug abuse, and life-threatening health risks.
Cleared Companies
The 159 companies cleared to resume operations include:
- 6 Mining Licenses
- 15 Small Scale Mining Leases
- 15 Exploration Licences
- 5 Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Permits
- 1 Quarry Lease
- 118 Tin Sheds/Buying Centers
Governor Mutfwang warned that any operator or individual who has not been cleared by the Committee must stay away from all mining sites, as the suspension remains fully in effect for non-compliant operators. The list of compliant operators will be published, and cleared operators are directed to collect their letters of clearance from the Office of the Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development.
The government plans to:
- Formalize Artisanal Miners: Initiate the process of formalizing artisanal miners into cooperatives to secure the supply chain and ensure better oversight and compliance.
- Train Artisanal Miners: Establish a Gemstone Skills Acquisition Centre to train youths in safe, modern, and sustainable mining practices.
- *Protect Children*: Arrest and sanction parents or guardians of underage children found at mining sites instead of being in school.
The governor thanked the public and security agencies for their cooperation and emphasized that the suspension remains in force for non-compliant operators.
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