Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake has ordered the immediate sealing of a mining site in Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following a deadly incident linked to gaseous emissions from an underground pit.
The directive was announced in a statement issued by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Abuja. The action followed reports that dozens of miners were affected by toxic gas exposure at the site.
Chairman of Wase Local Government Area, Hamisu Anani, confirmed that at least 37 miners died while 25 others were hospitalised in the early hours of Tuesday after inhaling poisonous gases during underground mining activities in Zurak. The victims were reportedly exposed while working in a confined section of the mining field.
Alake said the closure specifically affects areas covered by Mining Licence 11810 operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited, owned by Abdullahi Dan China, noting that the move was necessary to contain the situation and allow for a full investigation.
He disclosed that a team of officials led by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Yusuf Yabo, had been deployed to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the incident and recommend appropriate sanctions.
According to the minister, the investigative team includes specialists in mining operations, environmental compliance, and artisanal mining cooperatives. He added that he is personally coordinating response efforts and support services to ensure proper management of the situation.
Preliminary findings indicated that the company allegedly ceded the affected pit to members of the host community after local agitation for access to mining opportunities. The site was described as an abandoned lead deposit with stored minerals capable of emitting sulphuric oxide, a hazardous gas. Unaware of the danger, villagers reportedly entered the pit and carried out extraction activities while inhaling the toxic emissions.
The minister stated that Mining Licence 11810 is located between longitudes 10.34.45 and 10.35.50 and latitudes 9.13.45 and 9.14.40. He assured that further updates would be made public as investigations continue.
Alake also extended condolences to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, describing the tragedy as a painful loss of citizens who were trying to earn a living.
