•There is need for strict regulations and enforcement to reduce mishaps
Expectedly, the recent collapse of a gold mining site in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State, raised questions about mining operations in Nigeria. Officials attributed the incident to heavy rainfall, which softened the soil.
Niger State Emergency Service Agency spokesman Hussaini Ibrahim said over 30 people were believed to have been trapped in the rubble, adding that it was impossible to give exact figures because “even those on site didn’t know.” According to him, “One person has been confirmed dead and six persons were rescued and rushed to the hospital.”
A statement from the office of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said seven victims had been rescued, some with injuries, and rescue operations with excavators were ongoing. “The minister is actively monitoring the situation at the mining site operated by African Minerals and Logistics Ltd.,” the statement said, and declared that the Federal Government would investigate “the remote causes of the disaster” to prevent a recurrence.
Sadly, rescue efforts were reported to be complicated by the high level of insecurity in the state, fuelled by the activities of bandits who kidnap people for ransom. Last year, for instance, mining operations were banned in the Shiroro area, where the recent mine collapse occurred, and neighbouring areas, due to security concerns.
Indeed, it was reported that extra security had been provided following the incident, to ensure that rescue workers were not abducted. The authorities must do everything possible to save the lives of the victims of this accident.
Mining accidents do happen. But the question is whether there is strict regulation to ensure that such accidents are minimised. It is believed that many mining accidents are unreported in Nigeria, particularly those involving illegal miners. Proper regulation will go a long way towards reducing the occurrence of mining accidents in the country.
Notably, in a move to minimise such accidents, the minister recently announced “a policy making remedial measures for mining pits mandatory as part of the criteria for applying for mining licenses,” his ministry observed. The novel Mining Marshal Corps, established by the minister to combat illegal mining, which is considered to constitute economic sabotage, is also relevant in this regard. However, the minister must ensure that these efforts to address safety issues in the mining sector are effective.
Also, when mining accidents happen, there should be an effective rescue service to prevent loss of lives. Well-trained and well-equipped personnel should be available in the event of such accidents.
Alake’s seven-point ‘Agenda for the Transformation of the Solid Minerals Sector for International Competitiveness and Domestic Prosperity’ shows reassuringly that he is aware of the importance of making the mines safe. Apart from ‘Minerals Surveillance Task Force and Mine Police,’ the plan includes ‘Creation of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation,’ ‘Joint Ventures with Mining Multinationals,’ ‘Big Data on Specific Seven Priority Minerals and their deposits,’ ‘30-day grace for illegal miners to join artisanal cooperatives,’ ‘Comprehensive review of all mining licences,’ and ‘Creation of six mineral processing centres to focus on value-added products.’ It is work in progress, considering that he has not spent a year in office.
Nigeria is blessed with 44 different minerals, present in commercial quantities in about 500 locations in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Mining these mineral resources should be done to maximally benefit the people, and not pose a threat to lives and the environment. The country’s mineral deposits are worth about $700b, according to the minister, who noted that the country loses about $9b annually to illegal mining, smuggling and other factors.
Making the mining sector a major revenue earner for the country based on the President Bola Tinubu administration’s economic diversification policy is a positive objective. But it is necessary to enforce mining safety standards, among others, in order to achieve the aim.
