BY TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU

The Zamfara State Government has intensified efforts to tackle illegal mining, inaugurating a 13-member committee mandated to identify illegal mining sites, track down operators and ensure strict compliance with mining regulations across the state.

The committee, inaugurated in Gusau on Saturday, is expected to strengthen government oversight of mining activities and support ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to sanitise and formalise the sector.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Sulaiman Tudu.

The Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Nakwada, who inaugurated the committee, said the initiative was part of the state government's commitment to supporting federal efforts to bring order and accountability to the mining industry.

He urged members to work closely with security agencies, regulatory bodies, traditional institutions and relevant local authorities to uncover areas where illegal mining operations are being carried out and identify those behind the activities.

Nakwada also tasked the committee with monitoring licensed mining companies to ensure they operate within the boundaries of the law and comply with established regulations.

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He stressed that mining companies must take necessary steps to prevent environmental damage while protecting the safety, rights and interests of communities hosting mining operations.

The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Environment, Abdulrahman Tumbido, with members drawn from security agencies, traditional institutions and relevant federal and state government establishments.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Tumbido assured the government that its assignment would be carried out with professionalism, fairness and strict adherence to the law.

He said the committee would rely on credible information and ensure that its activities do not undermine the rights and livelihoods of residents, particularly communities affected by mining operations.

Tumbido added that the committee was determined to ensure that its work produces lasting improvements in security, environmental protection and sustainable development across Zamfara State.