14 Persons Still Trapped In Collapsed Niger Mining Pit

In its latest report, the Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources has said 14 people are still trapped in a mining pit, which collapsed in Galkogo Village of Shiroro local government area.

After an assessment tour of the site, the ministry’s commissioner, Alhaji Garba Sabo Yahaya, disclosed yesterday that 14 people were still trapped in the pit over 48 hours after the incident occurred.

He said the incident was remotely caused by a lack of compliance and synergy between the mining company’s management and host communities.

“This lack of coordination caused a lack of compliance with the governor’s directive to suspend all mining activities in the state and crackdown on illegal miners, prompted by increasing security concerns,” he declared.

He said the governor, through the ministry, had issued letters to all the Emirate instructing them accordingly on suspension of mining, but some of the mining companies refused to adhere to the Governor’s order

The commissioner urged the site engineer to consistently follow mining principles and operational guidelines to prevent future incidents, emphasising that safety should always be prioritised.

The officials of Africa Minerals and Logistics Ltd, the mining company, had informed the commissioner that the collapse occurred due to hanging walls within the site and that 14 people were still trapped in the pit

Meanwhile, the ministry is conducting rescue operations in collaboration with other relevant agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims.