The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of a mining site in Plateau State after about 37 villagers reportedly died from inhaling toxic gases during artisanal mining activities. The team, according to the statement, includes experts in mining, environmental compliance and artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives. “The team also includes experts in mining, environmental compliance and artisanal cooperatives. The area, it was gathered, was an abandoned lead mining site containing mineral deposits prone to emissions of sulphuric oxide gas. The tragedy highlights the growing risks associated with abandoned mining pits across Nigeria, especially in rural communities where economic hardship pushes residents into informal mining without adequate safety awareness.

Source: Punch February 19, 2026 03:56 UTC