FG Develops New Guidelines for Gold Mining in Zamfara Amid Rising Global Prices

The Federal Government has unveiled new guidelines for gold mining in Zamfara State, aiming to ensure a transparent and regulated process as Nigeria capitalizes on soaring global gold prices, now exceeding $3,000 per ounce.

At a press briefing marking the first anniversary of the mining marshals’ operations, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, highlighted efforts to combat illegal mining and enforce proper regulations in the sector. The announcement comes after the government lifted a five-year ban on mining activities in Zamfara in December 2024.

Following the ban’s removal, the government established a committee to develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) for mining in the region. According to Alake, the SOP serves as a binding framework for all mining operators in Zamfara, ensuring accountability and lawful resource extraction.

To bolster enforcement, Alake revealed that he has engaged Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to secure their support in maintaining law and order in Zamfara’s mining sector.

“Everybody will be involved in ensuring that legitimately licensed operators in Zamfara can operate unfettered. There will be no banditry or illegal activities preventing lawful mining operations,” Alake stated.

The mining marshals, a special task force established to regulate the sector, have been given the mandate to track the movement of solid minerals, conduct checkpoint inspections, and prevent mineral smuggling. Only agents registered with the Mines Inspectorate Department will be permitted to transport minerals from mining sites to designated centers.

Violators caught engaging in illegal mineral transportation will face confiscation of their cargo and prosecution under the Mining Act. Additionally, all mineral exporters for commercial purposes must obtain a license from the Mines Inspectorate Department.

Alake also provided an update on the impact of the mining marshals in their first year of operation. A total of 457 illegal mining sites were identified, with 98 successfully reclaimed by their rightful owners.

“For over a decade, illegal miners had taken over licensed mining areas, displacing the original owners. Thanks to the mining marshals, 98 sites have now been returned to their legitimate operators,” he said.

The crackdown has led to the arrest of 327 illegal miners, with 142 cases currently in court and four convictions already secured. Notably, two foreign nationals, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, were sentenced in March by the Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, for illegal mining, following prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The mining marshals, which were officially launched on March 1, 2024, by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, operate under the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. Their personnel—currently numbering 2,220—are tasked with tackling illegal mining nationwide.

With advanced surveillance technology, including drones and robotics, the marshals have been deployed to high-risk states such as Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, and Kwara, as well as the Federal Capital Territory. In their second year, their operations will extend to additional states, while non-kinetic measures such as engaging artisanal miners and registering mining cooperatives will be intensified.

Nigeria is already reaping the benefits of rising gold prices, Alake noted. Over 3,000 illegal gold miners have been removed, allowing the country to secure increased royalties from licensed operators. With the global gold market surging, Nigeria’s revenue from legal gold exports is also on the rise.

Mining Marshals Commandant, John Attah, reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining, emphasizing that their work is guided by strict legal provisions. He praised Minister Alake for his steadfast support and urged Nigerians to view the mining reforms as a crucial step toward national economic growth.