Thirteen miners were reported dead by the Federal Government after a mine pit collapsed in Kadauri village, Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
Only two bodies have been retrieved as of the time of writing, but the tragedy, which happened after a lot of rain, trapped at least 15 nomadic miners.
The federal mine officers in Zamfara have been sent to oversee continuing rescue efforts in coordination with state authorities, according to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, called the incident preventable and regrettable in a statement released by his media assistant, Segun Tomori. He also emphasized that the site will be closed until recovery work is complete.
“The news of the tragic event in Zamfara that has regrettably claimed some lives shocked me. Following the mobilization of our first responders to the scene, who are collaborating with state government representatives on rescue efforts, the location will be closed off, he stated.
According to preliminary investigations, despite the risks to the environment and public safety, illicit miners were using crude tools to exploit the collapsed site, which was known for loose sandy soil and gold traces.
In an effort to stop illicit mining, the Federal Government established the Mining Marshals, which resulted to more than 300 arrests and the closure of 98 unlawful locations nationwide, Dr. Alake recounted.
He revealed that plans to grow their activities with additional staff and logistical support are currently in the works.
In an effort to enhance oversight, the ministry has started installing satellite surveillance equipment that will allow for real-time tracking of mining operations around the country.
As the government awaits a thorough investigation into the collapse of Zamfara, the minister reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards illicit mining.
“Until we eradicate the evil practices of illegal miners from this nation, we will not give up. “We want to tighten the noose around sponsors of illegal mining and drastically reduce mine collapses across the country with satellite surveillance and other enforcement measures in place,” Alake stated.
