A Mining Expert, Mr. Jamil Mangga, has cautioned that suspending mining activities in the country as recently proposed by some northern governors could severely undermine economic growth, job creation, and ongoing reforms within Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
Speaking at the Solid Minerals Development Fund SMDF, and Ore Reserve Development Forum, ORDF, workshop in Abuja, Mr. Mangga explained that halting operations would cripple key companies that contribute significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, and disrupt thousands of jobs already created across the mining value chain.
According to him, many exploration and industrial mineral producers are currently sustaining livelihoods and adding value locally, including a Nigerian firm that now manufactures gold jewellery a first in West Africa.
Mr. Mangga maintained that although security challenges exist, shutting down the sector is not the solution.
He warned that a blanket suspension would worsen unemployment, stifle investments, and expose mining communities to greater hardship.
“If mining is suspended, major companies contributing to GDP will be affected.
The mining expert insisted that the sector, though not yet at its full potential, continues to create jobs, support industries, and attract investment nationwide.
He urged the government to strengthen regulation, improve security architecture, and sustain reforms rather than shutting down mining activities.
“Industrial mineral producers and gold exploration companies have engaged thousands of Nigerians. Some are even adding value locally. Halting mining will disrupt revenue generation at a time the country needs it most.” he added.
Mangga, who is the CEO of Kimberlite Africa, stressed that the company remains one of the few active junior exploration firms in Nigeria, advancing several projects while offering mineral exploration, reserve estimation, environmental services, and integrated water solutions.
He said Kimberlite Africa has supported the ORDF and the Geological Society of Nigeria, and recently led the exploration programme of a mining firm currently being considered for listing on the Nigerian Exchange, NGX—an innovation he described as groundbreaking for the country.
“The NGX accepted the idea because it is innovative and the first of its kind. Most mineral resources in Nigeria are near-surface, so it takes a bold company to step toward listing.
This will boost investor confidence and deepen the mining value chain.”
