A mining facility in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro Local Government, Niger State, collapsed on Monday due to heavy rains, leaving many people trapped.
What they are saying
The Director-General of the Niger State Disaster Management Authority (NSEMA), Abdullahi Ala, confirmed the incident in a statement and said rescue operations were hampered by difficult terrain and banditry.
“NSEMA received a report of a mine shaft collapse in Galkogo village, Shiroro County,” the statement said.
The mine site is owned by a company called African Minerals and Logistics Limited. The cause of the collapse was due to the softening of the ground by rains. The Director-General did not provide an update on the number of people trapped.
“There is very little information on the incident, including rescue operations, due to the unacceptable nature of this environment due to banditry. Meanwhile, excavators are being deployed for rescue operations,” he added.
More than 30 people are reportedly trapped under the rubble. Niger state police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun did not respond to calls and text messages seeking comment on the development.
In August, Niger Governor Omar Bago suspended all mining activities in the north-central state.
Why it matters
As important as exploration activities are, the safety of miners is paramount to ensuring adequate growth in the sector.
To prevent further incidents, the government needs to ensure that mining site owners prioritize worker safety, as well as ensure good infrastructure and access roads to the sites to quickly respond to such threats.
Bottom Line
An unknown number of people are trapped after a mine collapse in Niger State, Nigeria. The collapse is believed to have been caused by heavy rains that softened the ground. Rescue efforts have been complicated by the difficult terrain and banditry in the area. The incident has highlighted the importance of safety regulations in the mining sector.
