LIVE UPDATES
PLATEAU, Nigeria (NAN) - Tin mining in Plateau started in 1902 under British rule, with large-scale operations commencing in 1905.
The Land Proclamation Acts of 1904 and 1910, along with the Mineral Act of 1903, allocated significant land to British miners and companies for tin extraction.
The mining sector notably spurred the growth of major market towns such as Jos, Bukuru, Mangu, and Shendam. It is said that these mining activities drew many immigrants to Jos and surrounding areas.
Furthermore, the industry provided employment for both British and a limited number of locals, while boosting foreign revenue for the colonial government.
However, mining has resulted in severe environmental issues, such as erosion and land degradation, reducing available arable land for agriculture.
Over the years, illegal mining operations have proved to be a double-edged sword, offering economic benefits for many but also creating destruction, including child labor and a rise in insecurity as unregulated foreign miners invade the state.
The infiltration of criminal groups has transformed once peaceful mining communities into hotspots for banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, drug trafficking, and the spread of illegal firearms.
The hazardous nature of mining has caused numerous fatalities, especially among young individuals who become trapped in deep pits while searching for mineral deposits.
Additionally, the surge in illegal mining activities in areas like Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa, Mangu, Jos North, and Jos South has led underage children to abandon farming, which they previously balanced with education.
Gyang Gerre, a community leader in Jol, Riyom LGA, blamed some parents for pressuring their children to leave school for mining work.
Gerre lamented the increasing number of children not enrolled in school in Riyom and surrounding mining areas, highlighting the detrimental effects on children's futures and overall societal development. “Children in primary and secondary schools are skipping school; the dropout rate in Riyom is alarming.
This spells trouble for us, with repercussions for the children's futures and society as a whole. Most kids in Riyom no longer study or engage in farming; the majority have turned to mining. It's unfortunate that many of these youngsters are pushed by their parents into this quick money-making opportunity,” he stated.
Jonathan Dangyang from Gyel Community, Jos South, also expressed concern over the rising incidences of sexual immorality and drug abuse among youths at mining sites.
He specifically noted the rising cases of unwanted pregnancies among teenage girls, as miners exploit the young girls and leave them without support.
He pointed out that “socially, mining activities have devastating impacts on our communities. Girls of school age are getting pregnant at these sites by irresponsible individuals.
Furthermore, there is rampant drug abuse among the youth, as they consume various illicit drugs. The increasing rate of infidelity among married couples at mining locations is also troubling,” he remarked.
Moreover, beyond the educational and social challenges, there are significant health risks, with rising fatalities occurring daily at mining sites scattered across the state. Rev. Fr. Stephen Akpe, parish priest of St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Du, Jos South LGA, confirmed that many deaths have been reported recently in different mining locations.
“Recently, I buried over 20 individuals who died in mining pits in the Du community alone. This alarming trend happens daily at mining sites in Zawan, Shen, Gyel, Kwang, Kuru, Doi, Latiya, and numerous other communities. In one incident, over fifteen people were trapped in a hole, and most were young individuals,” he mentioned.
A medical professional, Dr. Nyam Azi, also raised alarms about the health risks tied to the proliferating mining activities in the state.
“Due to the crude methods used in these mining operations, there is a lack of adherence to safety standards. In addition to physical injuries, many miners end up suffering from pneumoconiosis, lung diseases, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Other health issues include occupational lung diseases, pleural effusions, pleural plaques, silicosis, and more.”
Concerned about this trend, Governor Caleb Mutfwang recently issued an executive order to halt all mining operations in the state.
He indicated that this decision was made after consultations with traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, and security officials among other key stakeholders. Although the order has faced significant criticism from various quarters, including concerns about rising unemployment, the governor insists that this action is for the greater good of the state.
The governor acknowledged that while some critics highlight that artisanal mining has historically provided income for many jobless youths, he assured that the decision is a temporary measure aimed at reforming the sector for the benefit of all miners.
Echoing Gerre’s sentiments, Mutfwang emphasized that illegal mining has contributed to low school enrollment rates and called on community and religious leaders to educate their communities about the potential dangers.
“Our intervention is undoubtedly timely, aimed at reversing this harmful trend; it aims to safeguard the welfare of all Plateau citizens. By suspending mining activities, the government is making a decisive effort to restore order, save lives, and guarantee that mining operations are conducted responsibly. We recently conducted research indicating that schooling rates in areas like Bassa, Riyom, Jos North, Jos South, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi have drastically declined due to high rates of illegal mining. Many schools in these regions are nearly vacant as young individuals have forsaken education for mining,” the governor stated.
He underscored that the infiltration of criminal gangs into mining communities has made living conditions unbearable for locals, asserting that “a secure Plateau is a flourishing Plateau,” and that this decision is a pivotal step toward that objective.
“Unregulated mining has degraded vast lands, polluted water bodies, and destroyed farmlands. Without prompt action, future generations may inherit a bleak and toxic Plateau,” the governor emphasized.
Mutfwang sought understanding from the populace and urged them to support this initiative intended to restructure the mining sector and establish it as a more viable and secure enterprise.
However, only time will reveal whether these measures will achieve the desired outcomes. There's no denying that the success of any reform will heavily depend on the collective support and involvement of the public, community leaders, security forces, and other significant stakeholders in the affected communities.
