Wase: Alake closes mining site, dispatches forensic investigators
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has ordered the closure of a mining site in Zuraq, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following the death of villagers allegedly mining in a pit containing gaseous emissions.
He also directed an immediate probe into the remote and immediate causes of the incident and recommended sanctions.
This is contained in a statement by the Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, in Abuja.
At least 37 miners were reported to have died in the early hours of Tuesday in a suspected carbon-monoxide leak at a lead and zinc mine while working in an underground mining site in Zuraq.
The statement also said that the Minister has sent a condolence message to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang over the incident.
The statement added that the Minister has dispatched a team of officials and investigators led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. Engr. Yusuf Yabo to probe the remote and immediate causes of the incident and recommend sanctions.
