By: Zawya

A Nigerian mining consultancy, Timadix Geomin Consult Nigeria, has criticized a proposal by the Northern Governors Forum to suspend mining activities for six months as a measure to combat insecurity. The company's Managing Director, Engineer Tim Eldon, argued that the suspension would be counterproductive, claiming it would empower illegal miners and worsen terrorism rather than contain it.

Eldon stated that a blanket suspension would force law-abiding, regulated companies to cease operations, creating a vacuum that illegal miners would fill. He cited the example of Plateau State, where a previous suspension reportedly led to an increase in illegal mining. Instead, he urged governments to strengthen security and law enforcement around legitimate mining operations to protect the sector.

The Managing Director warned that implementing the suspension would cause severe economic harm, resulting in job losses, reduced government revenue, and damage to a vital economic artery. He commended the ongoing efforts of the Federal Mines Marshall in securing mine sites and called for greater focus on protecting the legal mining industry rather than halting it.