No fewer than 250 miners in Plateau State have so far been trained by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

The PTDF and the University of Jos in collaboration with the Professional Chair in Geology and Mineral Science said that they have trained those miners on safety practices and sustainable resource development.

The Executive Secretary of PTDF, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, disclosed this at a two-day capacity building workshop in Jos.

Aminu said the workshop was part of the Fund’s efforts to expand human capacity development beyond petroleum into Nigeria’s growing solid minerals.

He explained that the workshop was a significant step in aligning artisanal miners with global best standards.

Aminu said the PTDF recognises the fact that the Nigerian mining sector holds the next potential for job creation and economic diversification.

According to him, for the potential in the mining sector to be achieved, miners must be equipped with the knowledge, tools and discipline to practice mining responsibly, productively and sustainably.

He emphasised that the principal objective of the workshop is to empower miners and educate them on safety measures and to also groom them on how to sustain the industry in the country.

Aminu pointed out that government needed to pay attention to miners’ plight because a lot of them feel discouraged because of government’s approach to the sector.

He stated that the mining sector was sustaining the country before the advent of oil, advising government to listen to miners and address their plights.

According to him, PTDF has been doing a lot to make sure Nigeria comes out with mineral development, adding that the future of mining is bright if Nigerians do the right things.

In his opening remarks, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, saluted the participants, describing them as partners in national development.

He said: “Today’s gathering reflects the power of collaboration between academia, industry, government, and the grassroots. The University of Jos is honoured to host this important workshop on

Sustainable and Responsible Mining for Community Empowerment, especially as it aligns with our commitment to knowledge-based solutions that uplift lives and protect our environment.

“The Middle Belt region is not only rich in minerals — it is rich in human potential. We believe that through education, research, and community engagement, we can transform extractive activities into engines of inclusive growth and sustainable development.”