Nigeria Shuts Zurak Mining Site After 37 Miners Died in Suspected Toxic Gas Exposure

photo credit: Premium Times Nigeria

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of a mining site in Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following the death of 37 miners reportedly exposed to toxic gas underground.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, directed that operations under Mining Licence 11810, held by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited and owned by Abdullahi Dan-China, be suspended pending a full investigation.

In a condolence call to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Alake expressed sympathy to the families of those who died, describing the victims as citizens who lost their lives while trying to earn a living. His remarks were conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori.

The minister announced that a high-level investigative team, led by Permanent Secretary Yusuf Yabo, has been deployed to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the tragedy. The team includes mining experts, environmental compliance officers, and specialists in artisanal mining operations. Authorities say the findings will guide possible sanctions and further action.

Preliminary reports suggest that the company had reportedly allowed members of the host community to mine in a pit at the site following local agitation for economic inclusion. The location is believed to be an abandoned lead mining area, where stored minerals may have emitted hazardous gases. Unaware of the potential danger, villagers allegedly entered the pit and were exposed to the fumes.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, also left about 25 others hospitalised. Local youth leader Shafi Sambo said miners had dug deep into an underground tunnel before encountering what was suspected to be toxic gas.

Security forces under Operation Enduring Peace confirmed that troops responded swiftly after receiving distress calls, helping to cordon off the area and evacuate victims to nearby medical facilities. The site has since been secured to prevent further exposure.

The disaster has renewed concerns over safety standards in both artisanal and company-backed mining operations in Plateau State, particularly in rural communities where oversight and emergency preparedness are often limited.

Community leaders are demanding a comprehensive probe, accountability where necessary, and stricter enforcement of mining safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.