By Khalid Idris Doya
The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Bauchi State Chapter, has commended Governor Bala Mohammed and the Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Alhaji Mohammed Bello Maiwada, for implementing policies and reforms that have transformed the mining sector, stimulated economic growth, attracted foreign investors, and reduced unemployment among young people across the state.
The State chairman of the association, Alhaji Musa Santuraki Pali, made the commendation while addressing journalists in Bauchi yesterday during a review of the association's activities in the first half of the year.
Pali said the reforms and initiatives introduced by the state government have enhanced investor confidence and positioned Bauchi as an emerging destination for mining investment.
According to him, Bauchi State has signed mining-related agreements with about five countries, a development that is contributing significantly to the growth and advancement of the sector.
He also praised the government's reforms in the issuance of consent letters and mining permits, noting that the previous system allowed miners to obtain consent letters from village or district heads, often leading to disputes, conflicts, and administrative irregularities.
"Under the new policy, traditional rulers are no longer authorised to issue consent letters or mining permits. Prospective miners must now obtain approval through the Ministry of Natural Resources and other relevant authorities for proper verification before commencing operations in any community," he said.
Pali noted that the reform has strengthened transparency, accountability, and peaceful coexistence within mining communities.
The chairman further highlighted the state's success in attracting foreign investment, citing the partnership with Shandong Minsheng Group, which has invested $50 million in a tin and columbite mining and processing facility in Bauchi State.
He described the project as a landmark achievement, noting that large-scale foreign investments of such magnitude were previously uncommon in the sector.
Pali also revealed that the Ministry of Natural Resources has facilitated discussions with investors in the cement industry following the discovery of an estimated 10 million metric tonnes of high-grade limestone deposits by Resident Cement Factory Ltd in Gwana Village, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
According to him, the discovery has paved the way for the establishment of a cement manufacturing plant with an annual production capacity of approximately 10 million metric tonnes, a development expected to boost industrial growth, create jobs, and strengthen the state's economy.
According to him, plans are underway to establish a cement manufacturing plant in Alkaleri Local Government Area, a project expected to attract substantial investment and generate numerous employment opportunities.
He added that the ministry is collaborating with international partners on the exploration and development of rare earth minerals, including monazite and zircon sands, as part of efforts to position Bauchi State as a major player in the global minerals market.
Another milestone, he said, is the establishment of the Bauchi State Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri, which will provide training and capacity-building opportunities for youths and professionals in the oil, gas, and mining industries.
"These investments and development initiatives will significantly increase government revenue while creating employment opportunities for thousands of young people across the state," he stated.
Pali disclosed that the government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, has commenced the enumeration and registration of artisanal miners in collaboration with the association.
He explained that registered miners would benefit from easier access to mining licences, formal documentation, small-scale mining equipment, loan facilities, financial support, and protection from unnecessary harassment by unauthorised individuals.
He further stated that the proposed mineral processing centres would provide reliable markets for miners' products at competitive prices, reduce dependence on middlemen, and improve miners' incomes, while also creating training and employment opportunities for local youths.
The association called on all miners operating in the state to register with the appropriate authorities and comply with existing regulations.
"The government is implementing policies designed to benefit miners and host communities. We must support these initiatives and work together to attract more development projects to the state," Pali said.
He added that the ministry has continued to engage traditional rulers, including emirs and district heads, to explain the objectives of the new reforms and policies.
"We are pleased that more than 100 artisanal miners have already been registered, and arrangements are being made to support them through various Small and Medium Enterprise intervention programmes," he said.
Speaking on the association's partnership with the ministry, Pali said MAN remains committed to mobilising miners for registration, organising sensitisation and peace-building meetings across the state's 20 local government areas, reporting illegal mining activities, and supporting government efforts aimed at developing the sector.
He expressed appreciation to the state government for its commitment to providing the association with a new bus, which he said would enhance its ability to conduct sensitisation campaigns on security, environmental protection, and responsible mining practices across the state.
"We also use our platforms to educate miners about opportunities available through the Bauchi State Oil and Gas Academy, mining institutes, and various government programmes," he added.
On the challenges facing the sector, Pali noted that many miners in remote communities are still unaware of the reforms, policies, and opportunities introduced by the ministry. He also identified logistical difficulties in reaching distant mining communities.
"However, with the continued support of the Honourable Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Alhaji Mohammed Bello Maiwada, we are confident that these challenges will be overcome," he said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman of MAN in charge of Bauchi Central Zone, Alhaji Zaharaddeen Bala Dan Madami, commended Governor Bala Mohammed and Commissioner Mohammed Bello Maiwada for their commitment to reforming and developing the mining sector and for creating an enabling environment for investment, job creation, and economic growth.
He stressed the need for sustained sensitisation of both licensed and illegal miners on the importance of complying with due process and registering with relevant authorities to facilitate their operations and ensure adherence to mining regulations.
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