The federal government has rescued seven individuals from a collapsed mining site in Galadima Kogo, within the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, made this announcement through a statement released by his media aide, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Alake mentioned that first responders were deployed to the site, and the rescue operation was conducted in partnership with the mining company.
The collapse, which occurred at a site operated by African Minerals and Logistics Ltd., trapped thirty people.
Abdullahi Arah, the director-general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), stated that the collapse was caused by heavy rainfall that weakened the soil.
The minister said the swift action demonstrated the government’s commitment to mitigate the adverse impact of the incident and rescue those still trapped in the rubble.
“Upon learning of the incident, we mobilised our Federal Mines Officer (FMO) and officials of the Mines Inspectorate to the site.
“In collaboration with the mining company, we have rescued seven victims, some with injuries. Rescue operations with excavators are ongoing to ensure we avert loss of lives,” he said.
According to the statement, the minister recently announced a policy on the mandatory arrangements of remedial measures for mining pits as part of the criteria for applying for mining licences.
The move was aimed at minimising incidents such as the collapse of the mining site in Niger.
It said the minister was actively monitoring the situation at the mining site.
He assured Nigerians of the federal government’s resolve to investigate the remote causes of the disaster to prevent a recurrence.
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