The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has deployed a high-powered investigative team led by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Yusuf Yabo, to visit Wase and find out the remote and immediate causes of the mining disaster that occurred at Zuraq Community in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, where over 30 persons died.
The affected villagers in the community were alleged to have engaged in activities at a lead mining site abandoned by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited.
The minister who expressed the sympathy of the Federal Government to the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, also assured that the federal government is coordinating response efforts to manage the situation.
He ordered the immediate closure of the incident areas, which are covered by Mining License 11810.
Preliminary investigations show that the lead mining site may have contained sulphuric oxide emissions, which led to the killings of the victims, who inhaled the poisonous gas.
Other members of the high-powered team include mining experts, environmental compliance officers, and representatives of artisanal mining cooperatives.
The team has been charged with the responsibility of recommending appropriate sanctions where necessary.
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