The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has ordered the immediate closure of areas covered by Mining Licence 11810 in Zuraq, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following the reported deaths of villagers allegedly exposed to toxic gaseous emissions while mining at the site.
According to information obtained by Mediaplusng.com, the affected site is operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited and is linked to a former lead mining pit said to contain hazardous emissions. Preliminary reports indicate that several villagers lose their lives while attempting to extract minerals from the abandoned location, unaware of the presence of dangerous sulphuric oxide gases.
In response to the tragedy, the Minister places an immediate shutdown on all activities within Mining Licence 11810 to prevent further casualties and secure the environment for investigation. He also dispatches a high-level forensic and technical team to determine both the remote and immediate causes of the incident.
As reported by Mediaplusng.com, the investigative team is led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Yusuf Yabo, and includes experts in mining engineering, environmental compliance, and artisanal mining cooperatives. The Minister coordinates the response effort to ensure swift assessment, transparency, and accountability.
Dr. Alake extends condolences to the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, during a condolence call, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He urges the Governor to convey the Federal Government’s solidarity with the people of Wase, describing the incident as a painful and irreparable loss to families and the community.
Further details gathered by Mediaplusng.com suggest that the mining pit in question is reportedly ceded to members of the local community following earlier agitations for empowerment and economic participation. However, the site is identified as an abandoned lead deposit area with residual mineral substances capable of emitting toxic gases when disturbed.
Sources indicate that villagers engage in extraction activities without knowledge of the environmental risks. Exposure to the emitted gases is believed to have caused the fatalities. Authorities stress that abandoned mining sites often require strict environmental assessments before any form of artisanal mining is permitted.
The Ministry confirms that Mining Licence 11810 is geographically located between longitudes 10.34.45 and 10.35.50, and latitudes 9.13.45 and 9.14.40. Officials say securing the site and conducting a comprehensive environmental and safety audit remain top priorities.
The Minister assures Nigerians that further disclosures will follow as investigations progress. He emphasizes that appropriate sanctions will be applied where negligence or regulatory breaches are established, while also pledging improved monitoring of mining operations nationwide.
The Wase mining tragedy raises renewed concerns about artisanal mining safety, environmental compliance, and regulatory enforcement in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. Analysts note that stronger collaboration between mining companies, host communities, and regulatory agencies is essential to prevent similar incidents.
For ongoing updates on the Plateau mining investigation, solid minerals policy, and environmental safety developments, stay connected to Mediaplusng.com for accurate and in-depth coverage.
