By Amina Lalong
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has signed an Executive Order suspending all Mining activities in the State.
The Governor signed the Order at a meeting with all critical stakeholders in the mining sector.
The governor said the move became necessary in view of increased illegal mining in the State which comes with attendant consequences.
Governor Mutfwang who identified insecurity among reasons for the suspension, hinted that four thousand, six hundred illegal mining ponds have been identified across the state, added that a multi-faceted approach was being adopted in dealing with the situation.
He further noted that security agencies would be empowered to ensure compliance and called on all to embrace the development in order to protect and develop the sector.
The governor emphasized the need to educate those interested in mining to form cooperatives and revealed plans to establish a mining village that would help organize and check illegal activities.
Chairman, Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs and Gbong Gwom Jos, Jacob Buba, praised the Governor for taking the bold step towards addressing the menace, recommended removal of any ward, district or traditional head that condone such activities in their various domains.
Earlier, State Commissioner for Environment, Peter Gyom warned that mining without a license was illegal, added that phone numbers would be made available to the public to report all illegal mining activities.
Highpoint of the meeting was the formal inauguration of a Technical Committee to be headed by the state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Philemon Daffi to review issues related to mining and to ensure compliance with the Executive Order.
