Niger: Fresh mining pit collapses in Paikoro LGA, traps several workers

*Another mining pit collapse occurs, trapping several workers in the Adunu community of Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, weeks after a similar incident occurred in Galadima Kogo, in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state, in Nigeria

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Within two weeks of a similar occupational hazard in the area, another mining pit Thursday, June 13, 2024, collapsed, trapping several workers in the Adunu community of Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State of Nigeria.

ConsumerConnect reports over 30 mining workers were buried barely two weeks ago, following the collapse of a mining pit in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.

Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development

It was learnt the report of a preliminary investigation from the mining pit collapse indicated that an unidentified number of miners also were buried in the pit.

Yusuf Shuaibu, Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Niger State Chapter also confirmed the incident to Channels TV through a telephone call.

Shuaibu reportedly disclosed that the mining pit caved in around 10 a.m., trapping an unconfirmed number of workers in the process.

The State Chapter of the Mining Association of Nigeria has mobilised a team for on-the-spot assessment of the scene of the incident with support from the Niger State Government, said the Chairman.

Insurance policy, other measures at enhancing safety of miners

Recently, the Federal Government’s delegation on a condolence visit to the mine pit collapse in Galadima Kogo, in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing insurance policy for mine workers in the West African country.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the visit to Governor (Hon.) Umar Bago of Niger State, in Minna, the state capital, Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, had conveyed the President’s sympathies to the government and people of the state.

Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, in a statement noted Alake said: “I bring the condolences and sympathies of Mr. President to the families of victims, those injured, the entire community, and the government and people of Niger state on the mine pit collapse.

“It is unfortunate and avoidable. Though we learned the disaster was due to heavy downpour, we are committed to intensifying the monitoring of mining operations to ensure conformity to environmental standards.”

The Minister also commended the state government for swiftly mobilising emergency rescue operations in collaboration with federal agencies, stressing that all efforts must be made to rescue those still trapped.

However, in order to further enhance safety measures and provide relief to miners and their families in the event of accidents, Dr. Alake declared that insurance policy for miners across the country would be enforced.

He also emphasised the Federal Government’s stance that remediation plans must accompany mining license applications, stating that irresponsible mining operations posing threats to the environment and communities will no longer be tolerated.

“We must also put in place contingency plans to mitigate the impact of natural disasters on mining sites. For instance, making the installation of support pillars under shafts mandatory. This practice is common in other countries,” Alake stated.

In his remarks during the visit, Governor Bago expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the condolence visit and emphasized the need for a concerted effort between the federal government and subnationals to ensure mining companies comply with safety standards.

He advocated the strengthening of collaborative measures to enhance periodic monitoring and evaluation of the environmental impact of mining operations to minimise recurrence of the unfortunate incident.

Bago later accompanied the Minister to visit recuperating victims at the IBB Specialist Hospital, and on behalf of President Tinubu, Alake announced a donation of N50 million to assist affected patients and families.