More than 22,375 kg of blue sapphire had reportedly been taken from unauthorized miners in Taraba State. Yesterday, the task force on the suspension of mining operations in the state made the declaration while prefing press on its efforts since being established in Jalingo.
Maidawaarewa report that, governor Agbu Kefas, on ascending the governorship seat on May 29, 2023, banned all forms of mining activities across the state. Aside from the ban, a task force headed by a retired General was also assigned to work round the clock to ensure the implementation of the executive order.
The world’s most expensive gemstone, the blue sapphire, was seized from one of the governor’s recalcitrant companies, according to the chairman, Brig-Gen. Jeremiah Franssa (rtd).
Franssa said “We arrested them and we recovered about 22,375 kilogrammes of blue sapphire, the most expensive mineral in the world. The best quality of blue sapphire can only be found here in Taraba.”
The task force said over 20,000 people are mining in that axis of the state, adding: “The illegal ones among them are camouflaging as labourers under the legal mining companies.”
“What we saw in most of the communities we visited was a very sad tale. These communities have been excavated and destroyed by the activities of both the legal and illegal miners.”
It was claimed that gold miners were paying children who should have been in school N500 or N1,000 daily as a kind of exploitation. He emphasized that while the state does not oppose investment in the mining business, they should obey the law.
Franssa added: “There are certain responsibilities expected of you as a miner, especially regarding environmental protection and public safety. Under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulation 2007, it is expected that after excavation, the miners should refill that land up to 80 per cent.”
