The Federal Government has ordered the closure of areas covered by Mining Licence 11810 in Wase Local Government, Plateau State, following a tragic incident that claimed the lives of villagers mining in a pit emitting toxic gases.
The licence is operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited, owned by Abdullahi Dan-China in Zuraq. The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development confirmed the action on Wednesday and announced that a team of officials, led by Permanent Secretary Yusuf Yabo, has been dispatched to investigate the causes of the tragedy and recommend appropriate sanctions.
The investigative team includes experts in mining, environmental compliance, and artisanal mining cooperatives. Preliminary findings suggest that the company had ceded the pit to the local community for mining in response to demands for economic empowerment. The site was identified as an abandoned lead mine, with minerals prone to releasing sulphur oxide gases.
Villagers, reportedly unaware of the toxic nature of the emissions, continued extraction, resulting in multiple fatalities. Authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of deaths, though local sources indicate that at least 37 miners died instantly, while several others were rescued and hospitalized.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, offered condolences to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and assured that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
The incident has renewed concerns about unsafe mining practices and the need for stricter regulation to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
