The Plateau State Government has visited Zinni community in Langtang North Local Government Area to investigate reports of tension surrounding mining exploration activities and address concerns raised by residents over the operations of a company seeking to explore solid minerals in the area.
The visit, led by the Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Solid Minerals Development, Joshua Laven, was aimed at obtaining first-hand information about the incident, clarifying the exploration process and preventing the situation from escalating into a crisis.
Speaking during the visit, Laven said Governor Caleb Mutfwang directed the team to visit the community following reports of growing tension over the proposed exploration activities.
“We are here on a fact-finding mission over the recent incident here. The governor, His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, asked us to come to the community and get first-hand information about the news we are hearing and the kind of tension it is generating,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the visit was also intended to educate residents on the distinction between mineral exploration and commercial mining, as well as their rights and potential benefits under the mining process.
“We are also here to educate you on what you need to know about mining and exploration. We are here to listen to you and to inform and educate you on your rights and whatever is discovered here or is about to be discovered,” Laven stated.
He cautioned residents against taking actions based on assumptions about financial benefits, noting that the exploration stage was preliminary and that the outcome of the process would determine subsequent developments.
“The stage we are now is not where you’ll start trouble. It’s a process of trying to explore; nothing is out yet, so nobody can determine what will go,” he said.
Laven emphasised that mining activities required cooperation among the host community, the exploration company and the government, adding that misunderstandings could create avoidable security challenges if not properly addressed.
He said the government considered it necessary to intervene early, stressing that the issue involved the interests and responsibilities of all parties.
“As a government, if we don’t step in and it generates a crisis, it will not be good for us,” the commissioner added.
Earlier, the traditional ruler of Zinni, Minnan Langnim, Poncho Zinni, expressed appreciation to Governor Mutfwang for responding to the situation, saying the intervention would help calm nerves and clarify the circumstances surrounding the exploration activities.
“I want to express my gratitude to the governor for having interest in what is going on here and also to pacify strained nerves over what has taken place. We are very grateful for his timely intervention,” he said.
The traditional ruler explained that the tension began after a company approached the community to undertake exploration activities. According to him, the company initially met with traditional authorities, but rumours subsequently circulated that money was being distributed to some chiefs and compensation paid to landowners.
He said the rumours, coupled with a lack of understanding of the difference between exploration and commercial mining, contributed to the misunderstanding among some youths in the community.
“The youths, not knowing the dichotomy between exploration and mining, said each of them must be paid five hundred thousand naira monthly, which further caused confusion. They thought mining had commenced,” he explained.
The traditional ruler added that the youths subsequently demanded that the exploration company discontinue its activities and leave the area because they had not received the money they expected.
He said a meeting had been held with the local government authorities, where it was resolved that the activities should be put on hold pending further clarification on the process.
The Plateau State Government’s intervention underscores the importance of community engagement, transparency and public education in mineral exploration, particularly in areas where expectations over possible economic benefits could generate disputes.
The government is seeking to ensure that residents understand the exploration process, their rights and the applicable procedures, while encouraging dialogue among the community, the company and relevant authorities to prevent further tension in Zinni.
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