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The Plateau State Technical Committee on Mining Reform on Thursday warned against politicizing the recent suspension of mining activities in the state.

The committee urged citizens to see the governor’s action as a necessary and strategic move aimed at sanitising the mining sector, curbing criminal activities, protecting arable land, securing infrastructures and attracting legitimate investments for the benefit of the state.

DAILYPOST recalls that Governor Caleb Mutfwang recently inaugurated a technical committee charged with the mandate of engaging all stakeholders in the mining sector and develop a framework for ensuring that mining activities in the state align with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, and Mining Regulations 2011.

Addressing journalists in Jos, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Mr Peter Gwom, flanked by other members of the committee, also called on the Federal Government to support the State’s efforts to uphold global mining best practices.

He said, “Our goal is to establish a win-win system where mining activities benefit the Federal Government, the State Government, and the local communities, ensuring that host communities are not exploited but rather empowered through a sustainable and legal mining framework.

“We, therefore, appeal to our highly respected traditional institutions, religious and community leaders, and licensed miners to support the temporary suspension of all mining activities in their domains as a necessary step toward restoring sanity in the sector.

“Also, local government chairmen should collaborate with the technical committee in sensitising citizens on the importance of legal mining and assisting artisanal miners in forming cooperatives for better economic gains.

“Our resilient and hardworking youths, who form the bulk of the mining workforce, to exercise patience and understanding during this transition period.

“We assure you that government is aware of the temporary hardship this may cause both workforce and companies but remains committed to safeguarding your future by ensuring that mining is conducted legally and responsibly.”

Speaking further, the commissioner said, “Security agencies should, on their part, ensure that they enforce the Executive Order professionally and without bias in order to ensure full compliance while upholding human rights.

“We call on the Federal Government regulators to support this effort and see the action as the state synergising with them to uphold global mining best practices.

“In the same vein, we appeal to Civil Society Organisations and the media to intensify sensitisation efforts on the dangers of illegal mining, especially its role in causing land movements, loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure, and environmental degradation.

“We assure you that this committee remains open to constructive suggestions and will continue engaging stakeholders physically and through the media to ensure that mining on the Plateau is conducted in a manner that is safe, regulated, and beneficial to all.

“We urge all stakeholders to collaborate with the state government to see through these mining reforms with an open mind as you await further information from the committee. Together, we can redefine Plateau State’s mining industry.”

He commended the media on its show of professionalism in carrying out its duties as watchdogs of society, adding that, “W count on your usual unwavering support as we embark on this transformative journey to secure a better future for our beloved state.

“At this juncture, we must caution those who want to politicise this patriotic intervention by government by whipping up ethnic, religious or gender sentiments to desist from doing so.

“We urge all to see this as a necessary and strategic move aimed at sanitising the mining sector, curbing criminal activities, protecting arable land, securing infrastructures and attracting legitimate investments for the overall benefit of Plateau State.”