Deadly Explosion Rocks Plateau Mining Site, Minister Orders Shutdown
A mining explosion in Nigeria’s Plateau State has resulted in multiple fatalities, with conflicting reports on the exact death toll. The incident occurred at an underground mining site in Kampani Zurak, Wase Local Government Area, early on Tuesday.
The Plateau State Government, via Commissioner for Information Joyce Ramnap, confirmed the explosion and stated that 33 people were inside the tunnel at the time. She reported that others injured are receiving treatment in nearby hospitals. However, Wase LGA Chairman Hamisu Anani provided a higher figure, stating that 37 miners died and 25 were hospitalised.
In immediate response, the Federal Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, ordered the shutdown of the affected mine. In a statement, the minister identified the operation as Mining Licence 11810, held by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited, owned by Abdullahi Dan-China. He attributed the tragedy to gaseous emissions, specifically sulphur oxide, from an abandoned lead mining site.
Preliminary investigations suggest the company had ceded the pit to local artisanal miners following community agitation for economic empowerment. The villagers, reportedly unaware of the poisonous emissions, were extracting minerals while inhaling the toxic gases.
Minister Alake dispatched a team of ministry officials, investigators, and experts in mining, environmental compliance, and artisanal cooperatives—led by Permanent Secretary Yusuf Yabo—to determine the remote and immediate causes and recommend sanctions. He assured coordination of support services to manage the situation.
The Plateau State Government expressed deep shock and sadness, is working with security and emergency agencies, and urged residents to remain calm. Minister Alake condoled with Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang, describing the deaths of “innocent citizens trying to earn a living” as unfortunate.
Further updates are promised as investigations progress. The incident underscores the persistent risks associated with unregulated artisanal mining in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, particularly in repurposed or abandoned sites.
