Bauchi State Government Cracks Down on Illegal Mining

The Bauchi State Government has taken a significant step to regulate the mining sector by banning traditional leaders from issuing consent letters to prospective investors without clearance from the Ministry of Natural Resources Development.

This move aims to curb illegal mining, environmental degradation, and ensure compliance with standard operating procedures.

According to the Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Maiwada Bello, the government has registered over 100 mineral vendors and mine operators in the state. To formalize the sector, the government is enumerating informal miners to generate data and provide them with small and medium-scale facilities to secure licenses.

The ministry has also made significant progress in infrastructure development, including securing a permanent headquarters and awarding contracts worth over N6 billion for the construction of the Kaura Processing and Buying Centre and the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy.

In terms of investments, the state has secured over 10 mining licenses to attract investors for partnerships, which are already yielding results. A memorandum of understanding has been signed with the Minsheng Group of Shandong Province, China, for the exploration and exploitation of solid minerals, with a commitment of $50 million.

Additionally, a $1.5 billion cement factory with a 10 million metric tons capacity is underway in Gwana, Alkaleri Local Government Area, which is expected to generate 10,000 jobs and other infrastructure. The state government is committed to transforming its economy through the solid minerals sector, boosting revenue generation, and creating jobs.