Chief Executive Officer of Kimberlite Africa, Jamil Mangga, has urged northern governors to prioritize stronger security measures rather than call for a suspension of mining activities, warning that halting operations would derail economic gains, threaten thousands of jobs, and weaken ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Ore Reserve Development Forum (ORDF), Mangga emphasized that Kimberlite Africa remains one of the few active junior exploration firms in the country, offering mineral exploration, reserve estimation, environmental services, and integrated water solutions.
He highlighted the company’s progress in advancing several exploration projects to key milestones while maintaining strong partnerships with leading professional bodies.
“Kimberlite Africa is proud to be one of the few junior exploration companies in the country. Our strength is mineral exploration, and we have taken many clients’ projects through the first stage of exploration with successful delineations,” he said.
Mangga added that the company continues to support the ORDF and the Geological Society of Nigeria.
“We have played our role in supporting the ORDF and the Geological Society of Nigeria, and we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of exploration in the country,” he stated.
He further disclosed that Kimberlite Africa is leading the exploration programme of a mining company currently being considered for listing on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), a rare development in Nigeria’s mining space.
“The NGX accepted the idea because it is innovative and the first of its kind. Most mineral resources in Nigeria are near-surface, so it takes a bold company to take that step toward listing,” he explained.
Mangga stressed that the initiative would help boost investor confidence and expand the mining value chain.
Responding to calls for a suspension of mining due to insecurity, he argued that such a move would cause significant economic setbacks.
“If mining is suspended, major companies contributing to GDP will be affected. Industrial mineral producers and gold exploration companies have engaged thousands of Nigerians. Some are even adding value locally—for the first time in West Africa, we have a Nigerian company producing gold jewellery such as earrings,” he noted.
He added that mining remains a vital source of revenue for government.
“Royalties are paid daily for commodities extracted and exported. Halting mining will disrupt revenue generation at a time the country needs it most,” he stressed.
While acknowledging the security concerns in affected regions, Mangga insisted that shutting down operations is not the answer.
“I am not in support of the ban. What government should do is find better ways of addressing insecurity. Insecurity and mining issues are common across Africa, but there are smarter ways to manage it,” he said.
He warned that suspending mining would worsen unemployment and deepen hardship in mining communities.
Mangga concluded by reaffirming the sector’s importance to national development and urging a more strategic government response.
“The sector has not reached its full potential, but it is already creating opportunities nationwide. Government should strengthen regulation and security, not halt activities.”
