The Federal Government has announced plans to regulate gold exploration in Zamfara State through the introduction of a standard operating code designed to create a more organized and transparent mining process.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, during a press briefing marking the first anniversary of the Mining Marshals—a special task force established to protect the mining sector from illegal activities.
In December 2024, the Federal Government lifted a five-year ban on mining exploration in Zamfara State, which had been imposed due to widespread banditry and illegal mining activities.
The decision followed notable improvements in the state’s security situation. In light of this, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, revealed that a committee was set up to draft a standard operating procedure tailored specifically for mining operations in Zamfara, aimed at ensuring order, transparency, and adherence to regulatory standards.
The committee, comprising members from various agencies and departments, is tasked with developing a comprehensive code of conduct for all individuals and entities seeking to engage in mining activities in Zamfara State, with a particular focus on 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 emphasized that the Mining Marshals would play a crucial role in enforcing compliance with the new operating code.
He further noted that security agencies—including the Ministry of Defense, the Inspector-General of Police, and the National Security Adviser—are actively involved in the initiative to ensure that licensed operators can conduct their activities safely and without interference from banditry or other criminal elements.
“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,” he noted.
Alake outlined key aspects of the new code, notably the regulation and monitoring of mineral movement. He stated that this measure is intended to curb illegal extraction and smuggling, while ensuring all mined resources are accurately recorded and transported through authorized channels.
“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,” he said.
The minister also stressed the importance of implementing an electronic tracking system, which will be used by the Inspectorate team to monitor mineral transportation.
This system, he noted, will enhance efficiency and transparency in the movement of minerals, helping to prevent illegal activities and improve regulatory oversight.
“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.
