The Federal Government has shut down operations in areas covered by Mining Licence 11810 in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State following a deadly gas incident at the site.
The closure, announced by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, came after villagers reportedly died while mining in a pit believed to contain hazardous gaseous emissions.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, the mining licence is held by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited, owned by Abdullahi Dan-China and located in Zuraq.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, extended condolences to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, over the deaths of residents who were attempting to earn a livelihood at the site.
The minister also deployed a team of investigators led by Permanent Secretary Yusuf Yabo to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the incident and recommend appropriate sanctions. The team comprises specialists in mining operations, environmental compliance, and artisanal mining cooperatives.
Preliminary findings suggest the company had reportedly handed over the pit to members of the host community for mining activities following demands for empowerment. Investigations further revealed that the location was an abandoned lead site where stored minerals were susceptible to emitting sulphuric oxide.
Unaware of the toxic nature of the fumes, villagers allegedly continued extraction activities while inhaling the harmful gas. The ministry noted that Mining Licence 11810 lies between longitudes 10.34.45 and 10.35.50, and latitudes 9.13.45 and 9.14.40.
The minister pledged to provide additional updates as investigations progress.
Meanwhile, reports from the community indicate that an unverified number of miners died from suspected toxic gas exposure, heightening concerns over safety standards and regulatory oversight in the region.
Wase Youth Leader, Shafi Sambo, said he was alerted to the tragedy in the early hours of the morning. According to him, the miners had dug deep into the ground and were suddenly exposed to gas that allegedly killed 37 people instantly.
He added that several others were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment, though the exact number of survivors remains unknown.
Sambo further claimed the youths were mining zinc for a company believed to be Chinese-owned, though the specific mineral involved in the incident has yet to be officially confirmed.
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