The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of a mining site in Plateau State following the death of 37 villagers from suspected toxic gas inhalation during artisanal mining activities.
The incident occurred in Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, where 25 other persons were reportedly hospitalised after exposure to suspected carbon monoxide inside an underground mining pit.
Security sources disclosed that the victims, mostly young men between the ages of 20 and 35, were engaged in manual mining operations when they inhaled toxic gases believed to have accumulated in poorly ventilated tunnels.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, directed the immediate suspension of operations under Mining Licence 11810, operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited.
The licence, owned by Abdullahi Dan-China, covers coordinates between longitudes 10.34.45 and 10.35.50 and latitudes 9.13.45 and 9.14.40.
The directive was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori.
Alake, during a condolence visit to the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, described the victims as “innocent citizens trying to earn a living.”
He urged the governor to convey the Federal Government’s solidarity to the people of Wase, noting that the loss was painful and avoidable.
“The minister sympathised with the governor over the loss of innocent citizens who died while trying to earn a living and urged him to convey his deep sorrow and solidarity with the people of Wase over the irreparable loss,” the statement read.
The minister has dispatched a high-level investigative team led by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Yusuf Yabo, to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the incident and recommend sanctions where necessary.
The team comprises experts in mining operations, environmental compliance and artisanal mining cooperatives. Officials said further disclosures would be made as investigations progress.
Initial findings indicate that the affected pit was an abandoned lead mining site believed to contain mineral deposits capable of emitting sulphuric oxide gas.
Sources said the operating company had allegedly ceded the abandoned pit to members of the host community following agitation for economic opportunities.
Unaware of the hazardous nature of the site, villagers reportedly resumed manual extraction activities, exposing themselves to poisonous emissions.
The tragedy has again drawn attention to the risks associated with abandoned mining sites across Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where economic hardship drives informal mining.
Over the years, abandoned pits in Plateau, Zamfara and Niger states have posed environmental and public health threats, including exposure to toxic gases, heavy metals and contaminated water sources.
While the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has intensified efforts to formalise artisanal mining and strengthen environmental compliance, stakeholders say gaps remain in monitoring host communities and enforcing proper mine closure and rehabilitation.
The latest development is expected to accelerate reforms around abandoned mine management, community engagement and environmental remediation as the Federal Government seeks to build a safer and globally competitive mining sector.
