The Zamfara State Governor, Bello Mohammed, says there are over 100, 000 artisan miners in the state who produce 10 tonnes of gold annually.
The governor made this known while inaugurating the Anti-illegal Mining Committee in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
He said, the artisanal miners sells their mined gold at 70% and 80% of the international price for gold.
The inauguration of the Anti-illegal Mining Committee by the Zamfara State Government is meant to complement the Federal government Anti-illegal Mining Squad, to check the activities of the illegal miners.
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The Federal government had announced a ban on mining activities in Zamfara State in January 2019, when it believed there was a link between insecurity and the mining activities.
Governor Bello Mohammed of Zamfara State, said the link between the worsening insecurity and illegal mining underscore the need to check the activities in the state, to eradicate the criminals.
The Chairman of the Anti-illegal Mining Committee, Abdullahi Shinkafi, promised to discharge their responsibilities by the terms of reference given to them.
He warned illegal miners to desist from their activities, as the committee will not spare anyone found culpable.
(Editor: Abaje Usekwe)
