The Katsina government says any individual found engaging in illegal mining activities in the state will be prosecuted.

The state Deputy Governor, Faruq Jobe, gave the warning during an inspection of the Dabar-hajia mining site at Rafin-gora, in Danja Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, the state government had previously instructed all miners to submit their documents for scrutiny and consideration, but some have failed to do so.

He further reiterated the state government’s commitment to organising and regulating mining activities within the state to ensure compliance with established regulatory laws.

“The Katsina government remains dedicated to fostering responsible and regulating mining practices for the benefit of all stakeholders,” he assured.

Chairman of Katsina solid minerals mines and processors cooperative society in Danja, Dahiru Dan-Kande, informed Mr Jobe that mining activities have been suspended since 2017 when their licences expired.

He added that those currently operating at the site were doing so independently, saying there are substantial gold and coal deposits at the location.

Mr Dan-Kande further appealed to the state government to regulate mining activities by providing machines for efficient discovery.

(NAN)