Nasarawa bans under-18s from mining sites

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The Nasarawa State Government has banned children under the age of 18 from participating in mining activities across the state.

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The government also constituted a special monitoring and enforcement team to clamp down on illegal mining and child labour at mining sites.

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The Commissioner for Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining, Margaret Elayo, disclosed this at a press conference on Friday in Lafia.

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Elayo said the decision followed reports of the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Minna, Niger State, and growing concerns over the dangers mining activities pose to children.

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She expressed concern that children were being deployed as labourers in artisanal mining sites across parts of the state.

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The commissioner noted that information received by the ministry showed that mining sites in Wamba, Nassarawa-Eggon and Kokona local government areas were exposing children to health hazards and depriving them of education.

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She added that the government would no longer tolerate illegal mining activities that jeopardize lives and cause environmental degradation.

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Elayo stated that the special monitoring team had been mandated to visit mining communities across the state to arrest persons or entities operating without valid licences and government clearance.

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She said, “Henceforth, no child below the age of 18 is allowed to be found at any mining site in Nasarawa State, either as a labourer, errand runner or food vendor.

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“Any company, site operator or parent found violating this directive will be arrested and prosecuted in line with the Child Rights Law and the mining regulations.”

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Elayo urged mining companies to employ only adults aged 18 and above, train them and provide necessary safety gear for their operations.

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She also cautioned parents against bringing their children to mining sites, warning of the severe health risks associated with the environment.

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The commissioner noted that the state government would collaborate with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to enforce the directive.

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She added that the state was partnering with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and other relevant agencies to organize artisanal miners into cooperatives for better regulation and safety.

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Elayo emphasised that the ban was not intended to halt mining operations, but to ensure that mining activities are conducted responsibly and sustainably.

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