The Federal Government has ordered the closure of Mining Licence 11810 in Wase Local Government, Plateau State, following the deaths of villagers allegedly exposed to toxic gas while mining in a pit.
The licence is operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited, owned by Abdullahi Dan-China in Zuraq, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development confirmed in a Wednesday statement.
Minister Dele Alake condoled with Governor Caleb Mutfwang over the loss of lives and dispatched a team led by Permanent Secretary Yusuf Yabo to investigate.
The team includes experts in mining, environmental compliance, and artisanal cooperatives.
Preliminary reports indicated the company ceded the pit to villagers following local demands for economic empowerment.
Findings revealed the area was an abandoned lead site with stored minerals prone to sulphuric oxide emissions. Villagers reportedly inhaled the toxic gas while mining, unaware of its danger.
The ministry provided coordinates for the site: longitudes 10.34.45–10.35.50 and latitudes 9.13.45–9.14.40.
Officials promised further updates as investigations continue.
An unconfirmed number of miners reportedly died from the exposure, while several others were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals.
The exact number of survivors remains unclear.
Wase Youth Leader Shafi Sambo said early reports suggested 37 miners died instantly. He noted youths were mining zinc for a Chinese-owned company operating in the area.
The incident has renewed concerns over unsafe artisanal mining practices and the need for stricter regulation in Plateau State and beyond.
