Mr Alake said non-kinetic measures were employed in the operation, combining community engagement and diplomacy to secure success.
Zamfara, known for its rich gold deposits, first recorded a major lead poisoning epidemic in 2010.
He described the operation as a major step toward curbing illegal mining and sanitising the sector.
Mr Alake said his ministry introduced the technology in addition to a two-prong strategy to combat illegal mining.
An explosion was reported at a mining site in Sabon Pegi, located in Mashegun LGA of Niger, on Sunday.
He described Nigeria’s economic growth as crucial for global prosperity.
The federal government had banned all forms of mining exploration activities in Zamfara in 2019 following alarming reports of banditry and its link to illegal mining.
He said that Saudi Arabia, with its well-established steel industry, was interested in sourcing iron ore from Nigeria.
Mr Nkom said that the agency generated more than 50 per cent of the sector’s revenue but lacked collection fees.
This is in response to the recent pit collapse that occurred during illegal mining operations in Gashaka-Gumti National Park.
