(DDM) – The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of a mining site in Plateau State after several villagers reportedly died from inhaling toxic gases while engaging in artisanal mining.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, directed that all operations at Mining Licence 11810, operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited, be halted following the incident in Zuraq community, Wase Local Government Area.
The licence, owned by Abdullahi Dan-China, is located between longitudes 10.34.45 and 10.35.50 and latitudes 9.13.45 and 9.14.40.
(DDM) gathered that the minister conveyed condolences to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, describing the victims as “innocent citizens trying to earn a living” and urging solidarity with the affected community.
Dr. Alake has dispatched a high-level investigative team, led by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Yusuf Yabo, to determine both immediate and remote causes of the incident and recommend sanctions.
The team includes experts in mining, environmental compliance, and artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives, tasked with ensuring effective management and safety oversight of the area.
Preliminary findings indicate that the abandoned lead mining pit was ceded to the host community after villagers sought economic opportunities. Unaware of the toxic nature of the site, residents engaged in manual extraction, inhaling sulphuric oxide gas and leading to multiple fatalities.
The tragedy underscores the risks associated with abandoned mining pits in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where economic hardship drives informal mining activities without adequate safety measures.
Experts have long warned that abandoned sites in Plateau, Zamfara, and Niger states expose residents to toxic gases, heavy metals, and contaminated water, creating significant public health threats.
The incident highlights persistent challenges in Nigeria’s mining sector, including inadequate site reclamation, weak enforcement of environmental compliance, and unsafe artisanal mining practices.
In recent years, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has intensified efforts to formalize artisanal mining, integrate miners into cooperatives, and attract foreign investment, while enforcing environmental standards.
However, the Plateau incident shows gaps remain in monitoring communities and ensuring licensed operators reclaim sites responsibly after extraction.
Officials emphasized that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses, with potential sanctions for parties found responsible.
The tragedy may accelerate reforms focused on abandoned mine management, community engagement, and environmental remediation, reinforcing the government’s commitment to building a safe and globally competitive mining industry.
Nigeria continues to face the dual challenge of balancing economic opportunities from artisanal mining with the need for stringent safety, environmental, and regulatory oversight.
