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KADUNA, Nigeria - The Federal Government has put an end to an unauthorized tin mining operation in Damau, situated in the Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
This operation was taking place on a tin-abundant site that is legally owned by Trobell Minerals Limited, which had been overrun by illegal miners for several months, leading to significant environmental degradation, economic turmoil, and increased insecurity as reported by local residents.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, sanctioned the action, stating that the enforcement was executed by the Mining Marshals without resorting to force.
A statement from the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Monday indicated that the operation was both strategic and calm, merging intelligence gathering with community engagement and diplomacy to peacefully dismantle the illegal activities.
“The Marshals successfully halted the unlawful operations through a peaceful, community-based approach,” the statement remarked, emphasizing that the miners left the site amicably following discussions with local leaders and residents.
During the first anniversary of the Mining Marshals’ formation, Minister Alake commended their professionalism and reiterated the government’s commitment to further equip them for upcoming operations.
“We must continuously enhance the capabilities of our Mining Marshals,” Alake stated, pledging better logistics and support.
He mentioned that the achievements in Damau could serve as a template for future efforts that merge enforcement with dialogue.
He called on communities to aid ongoing initiatives to tackle illegal mining, acknowledging its detrimental impact on national development and investor trust.
“This peaceful resolution in Kaduna illustrates that diplomacy, along with enforcement, can effectively tackle illegal mining.
It’s a victory for the industry and a relief for the impacted communities,” Alake concluded.
