The Federal Government has shut down the Solid Unity Nigeria Limited mining site in Kampani Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following an alleged carbon monoxide leak that killed 38 persons and injured more than 20 miners on Wednesday.
The government has also ordered forensic investigation into the cause of the incident.
Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the community on Thursday, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Henry Dele Alake, blamed safety lapses for the tragic incident at the mining site and expressed concern over the absence of technical representatives of the licensed company.
He noted that that a lack of safety precautions resulted in the tragedy.
He stressed that licence holders are responsible for safety oversight, adding that preliminary security reports suggested possible non-compliance with safety regulations at the mining site.
He assured that a full investigation would be conducted to determine the exact cause of the incident and prevent a recurrence.
He said, “It is highly tragic for a community like this to lose more than 30 able-bodied persons. We are here on a fact-finding mission. We condoled with the families of those who lost their love ones.”
Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Peter Gwom, earlier noted that mining is on the Exclusive Legislative List, but called for stricter implementation of the Mining Act 2007.
He emphasised the state government was ready to collaborate with federal authorities to ensure safer mining practices.
Gwom stressed that Plateau’s mineral wealth should be a blessing rather than a source of tragedy, adding that the state has begun organising miners into cooperatives, providing training, safety gear, and micro-loans to reduce fatalities.
“We have too many widows and fatherless children due to unsafe mining practices. This must stop,” he said.
State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Ramnap, who was at the community with the FG delegation, conveyed condolences on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the affected community and Wase Local Government Area.
She reiterated the importance of complying with mining regulations and noted the governor’s earlier suspension of illegal mining activities to enhance safety and enforcement.
