FG Warns Zamfara Miners Against Unguided Use of Explosives

The Federal Government has cautioned mining operators in Zamfara State against the indiscriminate use of explosives at mining sites.

The warning followed the recent lifting of the ban on mining activities in the state and the introduction of new operational procedures to regulate the sector.

Mr Abunumah Samuel, Mines Officer and Secretary of the Zamfara State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), gave the warning at a one-day stakeholders’ meeting with quarry operators, mineral processors and gold dealers in Gusau.

Samuel urged prospective operators to visit the ministry’s Abuja office with their applications to obtain the necessary licences.

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The Federal Government had banned mining activities in Zamfara in January 2019 due to rising insecurity and illegal mining.

According to Samuel, the current administration lifted the ban after establishing operational procedures requiring companies to pay royalties, provide social amenities to host communities and mitigate environmental hazards.

He expressed concern over the circulation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the state, which has faced security challenges.

Samuel said the ministry was collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force, particularly its Explosive Ordinance unit, to determine whether explosives in circulation were linked to mining operations or other sources.

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He urged operators to strictly comply with laws regulating quarry operators, mineral processors and gold dealers, adding that modified regulations now provide clear guidelines for legal mining activities and royalty payments.

Also speaking, Zamfara Commissioner for Environment, Mining and Solid Minerals, Alhaji Kasimu Kaura, raised concerns over the unauthorised handling of explosives by some operators.

Kaura, represented by the Director of Solid Minerals in the ministry, Sunusi Maharazu, said the government was developing measures to ensure proper monitoring and handling of explosives to prevent further incidents in the state.