By: OrePulse

Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has alleged that some officials within the state's government and security structures are part of a network sustaining illegal mining in the state, including gold and monazite.

Kefas made the allegation at a gathering with artisanal and small-scale miners in Jalingo on Saturday, where he said his administration intends to tighten oversight of the mining sector and curb unlawful extraction. "Some people within government and security structures had become part of the network sustaining illegal mining," he said, without naming individuals.

The governor outlined a plan to establish designated mining zones for registered operators and improve mineral traceability through regulated off-takers. He said the plan also calls for closer coordination between security agencies, mining regulators and mining communities.

Kefas directed miners' associations in the state to compile lists of equipment needs, with cost estimates, and to provide accurate data on mining locations and operations. He also said the state would prioritize replacing hazardous ore-processing methods — including the use of mercury in gold extraction — with safer alternatives.

Emmanuel George, chairman of the state's Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners Association, asked the government to reconsider restrictions on monazite mining, saying such policies had pushed about 300,000 of the association's members toward illegal mining activity. He said more than 500,000 young people are engaged in artisanal mining across the state, and he called on the government to formally recognize artisanal miners and provide training support.

Elizabeth Elijah, a representative of Women in Mining, called for women to be included in the reforms the governor's administration is proposing.

Taraba, in northeastern Nigeria, has significant artisanal mining activity in gold and monazite.