FG plans standard operating code for Zamfara gold exploration

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to regulate gold exploration in Zamfara State by introducing a standard operating code aimed at ensuring a more structured and transparent mining process.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this in response to questions asked by our correspondent at a recent press briefing to mark the first anniversary of the establishment of the Mining Marshals, a special body set up to safeguard the sector against illegal mining activities.

In December 2024, the government lifted a five-year ban on mining exploration, infected by banditry and illegal mining operations in Zamfara State.

The move was made following significant improvement in the security situation in the state. Sequel to this, Alake explained that a committee was formed to draft a standard operating procedure specifically for mining operations in the state.

The committee, which is inter-agency and inter-departmental, aims to provide a code of conduct for anyone wishing to operate within the state’s mining sector, particularly with regard to gold extraction.

“Yes, we lifted the ban on exploration in Zamfara late last year. Subsequently, I set up a committee, which is inter-agency and inter-departmental, to draw up a standard operation procedure for mining in Zamfara state in particular, given the background of what transpired there before. So I have a copy of this standard operation procedure here. It is like a code for anybody who wants to operate in Zamfara.

“We have developed a standard operating procedure for mining in Zamfara, given the unique challenges the state faced previously. This SOP serves as a code for anyone looking to explore or operate in the region,” Alake stated.

The minister also highlighted that the Mining Marshals would play an essential role in ensuring compliance with the new operating code.

He added that security agencies, including the Ministry of Defense, the Inspector-General of Police, and the National Security Adviser, are involved in the effort to ensure that licensed operators can carry out their operations safely, without hindrance from banditry or other criminal activities.

He noted, “Of course, I have had discussions with my counterpart in defence, discussions with the police Inspector-General, with the National Security Adviser. And everybody will be involved in ensuring that legitimately licensed operators in Zamfara will operate unfettered.

“There will be no banditry, such nefarious activities preventing legally licensed operators from carrying out their operations in Zamfara.”

The minister pointed out some of the key elements of the codes, including the regulation and tracking of mineral movement.

“I even have several things that the mining marshals will do in Zamfara. There will be tracking and regulation of mineral movement. The mining marshals will also be involved in tracking the movement of minerals in Zamfara and elsewhere.

 “Only agents registered by the Mines Inspectorate Department will be authorized to transport minerals from mining sites to centers. The mining marshals shall conduct road checkpoints to ensure proper documentation and prevent mineral smuggling. Violators caught transporting minerals illegally will have their cargo confiscated and be prosecuted by the provisions of the Mining Act. All exporters of minerals for commercial purposes must be licensed at the mines inspectorate department.”

Alake also emphasised the importance of an electronic tracking system that will be used by the Inspectorate team to monitor the transportation of minerals, ensuring a more efficient and transparent operation.

“So, in short, the mining marshals will be effectively on the ground in Zamfara in collaboration with all other security agencies.

“And we are working very feverishly to ensure that, very shortly, those who have applied for exploration licenses will have their titles given to them, allowing them to begin mining operations in Zamfara and other areas across Nigeria,” the minister added.

On the economic front, Alake revealed that Nigeria is benefiting significantly from the global surge in gold prices as over 3,000 illegal gold miners have been flushed out.

He explained that the country gains a substantial amount through royalties paid by legitimate gold operators.

“Of course, we are gaining a lot from it now because as the price increases in the world market, the value that comes back to us from our legitimate transactions of gold, because we cannot track the illegitimate transactions, those things are opaque.

“With the current rise in global gold prices, Nigeria is seeing increased returns from legally traded gold. These operators pay royalties to the government, which in turn boosts the national coffers. However, it is important to note that illegitimate transactions, which are not easily tracked, do not contribute to the country’s revenue,” Alake said.

In response to questions about comments made by former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, regarding the involvement of ex-generals in illegal mining, Alake dismissed them as not new, asserting that the government is focused on the practical steps being taken to ensure sustainable and profitable mining operations in the country.

“All institutions and sectors in Nigeria are involved, not just ex-generals. And what that means is that we need all hands on deck to combat this evil. We have also scaled up our efforts at the home front at the airport because most gold is smuggled through the airport and all our ports. We have stopped attempts in recent times to smuggle our gold.

“When the video came out, some persons drew my attention to it, and the video forwarded one response back. What the senator is not new. At our budget defence in 2023, I mentioned it on the floor of the Senate. I told them that big guns were involved in illegal mining and they were not restricted to a strata of society.  I told them legislatures were involved.

“The judiciary is involved. The executive is involved even with traditional rulers. Yes, the military is involved. So to me, the senator didn’t say anything news to me. And that’s why I said Nigerians have selective amnesia. We need all hands on deck to combat illegal mining activities. That is why the Mines Marshals were introduced, and they are doing an excellent job,” Alake concluded.