The Cross River State Government has directed all mining operators to present themselves for immediate profiling at the Ministry of Mineral Resources in Calabar, as part of efforts to enforce compliance and curb illegal mining activities.
The directive follows widespread violations of Executive Order No. 1 of 2024 regulating mining operations in the state. The government had earlier banned illegal mining, citing revenue losses, security threats and environmental concerns.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bassey Otu, Linus Obogo said authorities are concerned about the continued disregard for the order by some individuals and companies engaged in mining and quarrying.
According to the statement, several operators have persisted in carrying out activities in violation of established regulations, including entering into questionable Community Development Agreements with host communities and operating outside approved legal frameworks.
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The government directed all mining entities to present valid identification, certificates of incorporation, mining licences, statutory approvals and evidence of agreements with host communities as part of the profiling exercise.
The exercise, which began on March 16, 2026, is scheduled to end on April 16, 2026. Authorities warned that any operator found engaging in mining or quarrying after the deadline without completing the process will have operations shut down and face legal sanctions.
The government also cautioned community leaders against permitting unregistered miners to operate within their jurisdictions, stating that such actions would be treated as complicity in the violation of the executive order.
Officials emphasised that the directive is aimed at protecting host communities from exploitation, improving security and ensuring environmentally responsible mining practices. It is also intended to guarantee that the state receives due revenue from mining activities for sustainable development.
The Cross River Government urged all affected individuals and companies to comply fully with the directive within the stipulated timeframe.
