In a bid to sanitize the mining sector and ensure a more structured and transparent gold exploration process in Zamfara State, the Federal Government has announced plans to introduce a standard operating code. This move is aimed at combating illegal mining activities, ensuring the safety of licensed operators, and boosting the country’s revenue from gold exports.
The mining sector in Nigeria has been plagued by illegal mining activities, banditry, and lack of transparency. In 2019, the government imposed a ban on mining exploration in Zamfara State. This was due to the high level of insecurity and illegal mining operations in the area. However, with the significant improvement in the security situation in the state, the government lifted the ban in December 2024.
The standard operating code, according to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake, is designed to provide a framework. This framework supports gold exploration. It also supports mining operations in Zamfara State. The code will regulate the activities of mining operators. It will ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. Additionally, it will prevent illegal mining activities.
The standard operating code will have several key elements, including:
- – Regulation and tracking of mineral movement: The mining marshals will track and regulate mineral movement in Zamfara and elsewhere.
– Authorized transportation: Only agents registered by the Mines Inspectorate Department will be authorized to transport minerals from mining sites to centers.
– Road checkpoints: The mining marshals will conduct road checkpoints to ensure proper documentation and prevent mineral smuggling.
– Electronic tracking system: An electronic tracking system will be used to monitor the transportation of minerals, ensuring a more efficient and transparent operation.
The introduction of the standard operating code is expected to have a significant impact on the mining sector in Nigeria. It will help to:
– Combat illegal mining activities: The code will prevent illegal mining operators from exploiting the country’s mineral resources.
– Ensure safety of licensed operators: The code will ensure that licensed operators are able to carry out their operations safely and without hindrance from banditry or other criminal activities.
– Boost revenue from gold exports: The code will help to increase the country’s revenue from gold exports by ensuring that all gold exports are properly documented and taxed.