Stakeholders have raised concerns over the negative impact of artisanal and small-scale mining on peace, security, and democratic practices in Plateau State, while identifying pathways toward sustainable peace.
The concerns were highlighted at the 24th Special Edition of the GASKIYA (Truth) Youth Platform, organized by the BEGE Foundation in collaboration with the Plateau State Peace Building Agency. The event, held Thursday at Ordilins Event Hall in Jos, focused on the theme: “Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Activities; Its Impact on Peace, Security and Democratic Practices in Plateau State,” with a sub-theme on identifying pathways to sustainable peace.
Participants included youth leaders from various communities, representatives of government ministries, departments and agencies, security stakeholders, international NGOs, women in mining, and professional bodies.
In her keynote address, the Director General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Julie Sanda, emphasized the importance of engaging young people in peacebuilding efforts. She noted that while artisanal mining provides livelihoods for many rural youths and families, the largely unregulated sector has increasingly contributed to insecurity, environmental degradation, and social challenges.
Sanda cited recent violent incidents linked to illegal mining activities and warned that competition over mineral resources could further fuel conflict if not properly regulated. She also highlighted concerns such as school dropouts, child labour, substance abuse, and exploitation in mining communities, urging stakeholders to address the social and environmental consequences of the practice.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Team Lead of the BEGE Foundation, Kenneth Attah, described the theme as timely and important for addressing emerging challenges surrounding mining activities in Plateau State.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association and Coordinator of the Plateau Peace Media Network, Matthew Tegha, noted that while the state is richly endowed with mineral resources, poorly regulated mining activities have contributed to environmental damage, insecurity, and tensions within communities. He called for sustained dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to address the challenges.
The Executive Director of the foundation, Godwin A. Okoko, said the platform aimed to identify strategies to mitigate conflicts associated with mining activities, promote responsible mining practices, and encourage dialogue between youth leaders, government institutions, and civil society actors.
A plenary session moderated by Okoko featured panelists including representatives of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, civil society organizations, women miners’ groups, and youth leaders. Discussions focused on the socio-economic and security implications of artisanal mining, youth involvement in illegal mining, and the challenges of weak regulation and enforcement.
Participants called for increased awareness of the impact of artisanal mining on peace and security, stronger collaboration between youth groups, government institutions and civil society organizations, and the development of policy recommendations aimed at promoting responsible mining practices and sustainable peace in Plateau State.
