In response to the rising deaths, environmental damage, and security threats as a result of Illegal mining in Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang signed Executive Order 001 of 2025, suspending all mining activities in the state.
The government said the move was aimed at protecting lives, curbing illegal mining, tackling child labour, and addressing security challenges linked to unregulated mining, such as banditry, kidnapping, and arms trafficking. However, the decision was criticized by opposition figures who argued that it cut off the only source of livelihood for many families.
Despite the ban, illegal mining continues openly in areas like Barkin Ladi and Mangu, where mineral deposits are abundant. Sites such as Kassa operate almost like regulated mining hubs, attracting thousands of miners, traders, and buyers from within and outside the state. Economic activity thrives daily, but beneath it lies constant fear, as miners face the ever-present risk of death from pit collapses or attacks.
Interviews with miners reveal a shared sense of desperation rather than defiance. Many say unemployment, insecurity in farming communities, and family responsibilities force them into the dangerous work. Some acknowledge the risks openly, stating they leave home each day unsure if they will return alive. For them, illegal mining is not a choice driven by greed, but a last resort to survive and provide for their families in a struggling economy.
