The illegal mining and trafficking of precious metals have grave consequences, impacting peace, stability, security, development, governance, the rule of law, the environment, and the economy.
More often than not, illegal mining involves serious human rights abuses and causes significant environmental degradation, including deforestation, land degradation, and pollution.
Illegal Mining Impales The Economy
Economic crimes such as tax evasion, fraud, and corruption are often associated with illegal mining and trafficking, as criminals exploit regulatory loopholes for profit.
Organized criminal groups are drawn to this sector due to the lucrative nature of precious metals and the relatively low risks of apprehension or prosecution.
In Nigeria, illegal mining has become a major challenge, resulting in significant environmental degradation, economic losses, and exacerbating insecurity.
According to the Federal Government of Nigeria, illegal mining costs the country an estimated $9 billion annually, despite the limited revenue generated from licensed mining operations. Despite the nation’s substantial mineral reserves and increasing demand for solid minerals, Nigeria has failed to fully exploit these opportunities.
Certain states in Nigeria have been identified as hotspots for illegal mining. For example, Zamfara State has experienced persistent illegal gold mining, attracting criminal groups and contributing to regional disputes and instability.
Plateau State, known for its abundant natural resources, has also witnessed illicit mining activities, including tin, columbite, and diamond mining. Illegal sand mining in Niger State has led to erosion and loss of agricultural land.
Various complexities contribute to illegal mining in Nigeria, including high poverty and unemployment rates. Economic desperation drives individuals to engage in illicit mining activities, highlighting underlying social, institutional, and structural governance issues.
Also, inadequate law enforcement capacity and resources hinder efforts to combat illegal mining effectively. Addressing this issue requires collaboration among government agencies, local communities, and civil society organizations.
Other Risks
Illegal mining also poses security risks, particularly in the Northwest region of Nigeria, where approximately 80% of mining activities are conducted illegally by local residents.
The UN explains that proceeds from illicit mining often fund criminal networks, exacerbating conflict and instability in affected areas. Tied to these risks is how it impacts the climate.
The Katsina State Government has linked illegal mining to armed banditry in Northwest Nigerian states.
How illegal mining flourish in states.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has implicated influential individuals in illegal mining activities, accusing them of sponsoring banditry and insecurity.
He explained the need to address the nexus between illegal mining and criminal activities to safeguard peace and stability in the country.
He told lawmakers on December 12 2023 that:
“One pernicious discovery that we have made is that a lot of these banditry, terrorism, and insecurity that we associate with this sector are actually sponsored by illegal miners,”
Researchers Opinion
Also, according to Mallam Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, an independent researcher, local miners began collaborating with terrorists in Zamfara state after mining activities were declared illegal by authorities.
Ya’u, who serves as the Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), a Nigerian nonprofit organization, pointed out that the state and federal governments inadvertently facilitated violence by prohibiting mining activities without offering alternative economic opportunities for artisanal miners.
Murtala Ahmed Rufa’i, another independent researcher and lecturer at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto, discussed the relationship between miners and terrorists in the region with HumAngle. Rufa’i highlighted that terrorists initially encountered local miners when they commenced their operations.
Addressing it
Foreign involvement in resource exploitation poses security challenges, as seen in other countries like Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Nigerian government must acknowledge these challenges and take decisive action to expose and prosecute those involved in illegal activities.
Finding Urgent Solutions
Before seeking international intervention, Nigeria must demonstrate political will in combating illegal mining and associated criminality.
It’s imperative to address the root causes and plug loopholes in the system to ensure national security and economic prosperity. The time for action is now.
