The Federal Government of Nigeria has lifted the ban on mining activities in Zamfara, following the release of operational procedures.

It is calling on interested persons to visit its Abuja office with an application to secure a mining license. The Federal Mining Officer in Zamfara, Mr. Samuel Abunumah , revealed this during a meeting with quarry operators, mineral processors, and gold dealers.

Gold is over $5,000 an ounce now in Gusau, the state capital.

The Federal Government had in January 2019 banned mining operations in Zamfara on the grounds that there was a connection between insecurity and mining activities. Now, the President's administration has lifted the ban after releasing operational procedures under which mining operations will be conducted.

The main barrier to effective mining pit assessments is insecurity in local communities.

Insecurity limits mining pit assessments, as explained by the speaker at the start of the meeting. This issue prevents mining officers from properly monitoring mining sites.

Collaboration with security agents is used to enforce company compliance with regulations. The insecurity affects oversight of environmental and operational standards.

This challenge directly impacts how mining companies meet their obligations to the government and society.

Ensuring mining companies adhere to environmental standards is critical for sustainable operations.

Emphasis on environmental care for mining companies was strongly urged by the expert. Mining operators are called to strictly follow environmental regulations. Compliance avoids legal and community issues that could disrupt operations.

There is an expectation for ongoing monitoring and cooperation between communities and companies. This focus helps protect the surrounding environment and supports community relations.

Lifting the mining ban in Zamfara is expected to bring broad economic and social benefits. The resumption of mining is expected to create jobs and boost the economy, as highlighted at the end of the discussion. The ban lift will open opportunities specifically for unemployed youth in the region.

Mining activities are predicted to increase local socio-economic activity and revenue generation. This change supports state development goals through improved employment and income. The expert's outlook ties mining revival to long-term community and state prosperity.

· Mining companies must ensure strict adherence to environmental care and regulatory compliance.

· Security agents and monitoring teams should continue joint efforts to oversee mining activities for regulatory compliance.

· Stakeholders should promote peaceful relations between mining operators and host communities.

Insecurity is one of the major challenges stopping mining officers from assessing mining pits in most communities.

"We do that [monitoring] in conjunction with the security agents to ensure that companies comply with their obligations to government, to the host community, and to society at large."

So, my new expert speaks on ways to improve operation in Zamfara: "Companies that are doing the mining activities, please, please take good care of the environmental issues. We hope that you, the operators, the title holders, and the community... Here you will be able to comply with all the regulations so that you will not have any issues."

"We always try to make peace through communities and the companies operating in that society. With the lifting of the ban on mining in Zamfara, it is hoped that it will create job opportunities for the many unemployed youths in the area, boost socio-economic activities, and improve revenue generation for the state." Gusau.

The government has lifted the ban on mining operations with new rules to ensure environmental and community responsibilities:

· Ban lifted with operational conditions.

· Companies must pay royalties regularly to the government.

· They are required to provide basic social amenities to the host communities.

· Operators need to actively mitigate environmental hazards linked to their activities.

This approach aims to balance mining growth with social and environmental care.

Quarry operators must submit monthly production returns. These reports form the basis for calculating royalties due at the end of each month. Mineral processors are equally required to comply under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.

This ensures transparency and accountability in mineral resource management.

The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals and the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) jointly lead oversight . The meeting focused on strategies for reducing environmental hazards and pollution from mining. Emphasis is on proactive vigilance by operators to prevent harm to ecosystems. Collaboration with local communities is key to effective environmental stewardship.

The framework fosters a harmonious relationship between mining companies and host communities. Mining activities in Zamfara are specifically highlighted for enforcement and regulation.

The government prioritizes community welfare alongside mineral resource development. This helps mitigate conflicts and supports sustainable mining development:

· Ensure all quarry operators pay their royalties monthly based on their production.

· Monitor mineral processors to submit monthly returns of production as required by law.

· Engage with the communities in Zamfara to maintain harmonious relations and support enforcement of mining regulations.

The President's administration has lifted the ban after releasing operational procedures under which the mining companies will pay royalties, provide basic social amenities to host communities, and mitigate environmental hazards. This meeting, convened between the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in conjunction with the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) , is meant for stakeholders to brainstorm on how operators can reduce environmental hazards and pollution.

"To also urge all quarry operators to be vigilant and to ensure that at the end of the month, if they produce, they should pay their royalty. And for the mineral processors too, your operations are equally guided under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act. Whatever you process at the end of the month, you are supposed to submit your monthly returns of production."

"...as an interface between the ministry, the community, the title holders, and most importantly the communities where mining is taking place, to ensure another objective: the harmonious relationship between these communities." Enforcing and regulating mining activities in Zamfara remains a priority.