5 hours ago
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The Federal Government has successfully dismantled an illegal mining operation in Damau, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State, according to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake.
The Minister disclosed that the Mining Marshals executed the operation without confrontation, relying instead on intelligence gathering and strategic community engagement to address the long-running issue.
The site, which is rich in tin deposits, is legally owned by Trobell Minerals Limited but had been taken over by illegal miners for months.
Their activities, locals say, resulted in environmental damage, economic losses, and rising insecurity.
“In a deft move, the Mining Marshals have successfully shut down an illegal mining site in Damau, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State, using a blend of community engagement and diplomacy,” the statement from the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, read.
“The operation focused on a tin-rich site legally owned by Trobell Minerals Limited, which had been occupied by illegal miners for several months. Community members reported that the activities had caused significant economic losses, environmental degradation, and heightened insecurity in the area.”
The intervention marked a shift from the more aggressive tactics seen in similar operations elsewhere in the country. Rather than resorting to force, the Marshals engaged with traditional leaders and local residents to gain support for the operation, leading to the peaceful withdrawal of the miners under official supervision.
Speaking during the first anniversary of the creation of the Mining Marshals, Dr Alake applauded the operatives and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening their capacity.
“The reward for hard work is more work,” he told them, while promising to provide additional logistics and resources.
He further encouraged community support for future interventions, describing the Kaduna operation as a model for peaceful resolution in tackling illegal mining.
“The Kaduna operation could serve as a model for future interventions if we get the buy-in of locals and community leaders. Illegal mining and insecurity remain major obstacles to the development of the mining sector.
“However, the outcome in Damau offers a glimpse of how a mix of enforcement and dialogue can turn the tide. I urge communities to cooperate with us to deal with this menace and restore investor confidence in the sector,” the Minister said.
Dr Alake also commended the diplomatic handling of the situation, emphasizing the broader implications of illegal mining.
“The diplomatic approach is commendable. The activities of the dislodged illegal miners posed a serious threat to lives, livelihoods, and investment. This intervention brings long-awaited relief.”
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