The Federal Government on Monday attributed the challenges it faces in its drive to fully control gold mining, particularly in northern Nigeria, to cultural sensitivities.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this while briefing newsmen after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He noted that illegal mining has cost the nation trillions of naira but revealed that the council has approved a new initiative to enhance regulation and curb revenue losses in the sector.

As part of the initiative, he said the government will deploy satellite technology to monitor key mining sites and track activities in real-time.

Alake further stated that the Federal Government prefers to collaborate with state governments in mineral-rich areas to prevent unregulated mining operations and ensure proper oversight.