Wase Mining Tragedy: Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Minister Orders Immediate Closure of Plateau Site, Launches Forensic Investigation
Share this:
Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has ordered the immediate closure of Mining Licence 11810 in Zuraq community, Wase, following the tragic deaths of villagers allegedly exposed to toxic gas during mining operations.The affected site, located in Plateau State, has been sealed pending a comprehensive forensic investigation to determine the exact cause of the fatalities and assess potential environmental hazards. Government response and regulatory action in a statement issued by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Alake described the incident as “deeply concerning” and pledged that the federal government would ensure accountability and prevent further loss of life. He directed relevant agencies to conduct a detailed environmental and geological assessment of the site, including gas composition analysis and structural safety evaluations. The minister emphasized that no mining activity—whether licensed or informal—would be allowed to continue if it poses a threat to host communities. He also reiterated the government’s broader commitment to sanitizing Nigeria’s mining sector through stricter regulatory enforcement, improved oversight, and stronger collaboration with state authorities. Community impact and safety concerns local reports indicate that villagers engaged in mining activities were allegedly exposed to poisonous gas emissions believed to have emanated from underground shafts. While the precise chemical composition of the gas has not yet been confirmed, authorities say emergency and environmental response teams have been deployed to the area. The tragedy has once again spotlighted persistent safety concerns in Nigeria’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector, where inadequate environmental controls and limited technical supervision often heighten operational risks. Plateau State, historically rich in solid minerals including tin and columbite, has witnessed periodic mining-related accidents over the decades. The latest incident adds urgency to calls for stronger compliance monitoring and community protection frameworks. Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Mining SectorNigeria’s mining industry has been positioned by the federal government as a strategic pillar for economic diversification away from oil dependency. However, industry experts argue that sustainable growth depends heavily on environmental stewardship, worker safety standards, and responsible licensing practices. The forensic investigation ordered by the ministry is expected to clarify whether the operator of Mining Licence 11810 complied with environmental and occupational safety regulations. Findings from the probe may inform further regulatory reforms within the sector. National and regional media outlets, including Punch Newspapers, Premium Times, The Guardian, and Channels Television, have reported on the closure order and the unfolding investigation. As authorities move to establish the full circumstances surrounding the Wase mining tragedy, affected families and community leaders are calling for transparency, compensation where appropriate, and long-term safeguards to prevent a recurrence. Sele Media Africa will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as the forensic findings emerge. Sources: Punch Newspapers; Premium Times; The Guardian (Nigeria); Channels Television.
About The Author
Discover more from Sele Media Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
