FG Launches Probe into Plateau Mining Site Incident That Claimed 37 Lives

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has ordered a full investigation and the immediate shutdown of a mining site in Zuraq, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following the death of 37 miners.

The order was disclosed on Wednesday in Abuja through a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori.

According to reports, the Chairman of Wase LGA, Hamisu Anani, confirmed that no fewer than 37 miners died, while 25 others were taken to hospital in the early hours of Tuesday.

Reports indicate that the victims were exposed to poisonous gas emissions while working in an underground mining site in Zurak.

Alake stated that the location is covered by Mining Licence 11810, operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited and owned by Abdullahi Dan-China.

He explained that sealing the site was necessary to stabilise the situation and enable a thorough probe.

The minister added that a team of officials and investigators, led by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Yusuf Yabo, had been deployed to identify both immediate and underlying causes of the tragedy and to propose appropriate penalties.

He said the team comprises specialists in mining operations, environmental standards and artisanal mining cooperatives, noting that he is personally overseeing efforts to manage the crisis.

Alake further revealed that preliminary findings suggested the company had handed over the pit where the incident occurred to the host community after residents demanded access for empowerment purposes.

He said the site was an abandoned lead mining area containing stored minerals capable of releasing sulphuric oxide emissions.

Unaware of the danger, villagers reportedly resumed mining activities at the location and inhaled the toxic fumes.

The minister also gave the coordinates of Mining Licence 11810, placing it between longitudes 10.34.45 and 10.35.50 and latitudes 9.13.45 and 9.14.40.

Alake assured that more information would be provided as investigations progress.

He also extended condolences to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, describing the incident as a tragic loss of innocent citizens striving to make a living.