Abuja: The Federal Government has ordered illegal miners to immediately vacate all mining sites in Zamfara following the confirmation of an outbreak of lead poisoning in Bungudu Local Government Area. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, issued this directive through a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Zamfara, known for its rich gold deposits, first recorded a significant lead poisoning epidemic in 2010. This outbreak was linked to artisanal gold mining, resulting in environmental contamination and the poisoning of hundreds of residents, especially children.
Alake emphasized that all mining activities remain suspended until new Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are established to guide the resumption of exploration within the state. He expressed concern that despite the six-year mining ban, which was lifted in December 2024, lead poisoning cases have resurfaced. He attributed this to traditional and local institutions allowing illegal miners to operate in violation of the ban.
He urged citizens to adhere to laws and regulations set by authorities and highlighted the responsibility of traditional institutions and local authorities, funded by federation accounts, to enforce government directives. Alake warned that negligence in these duties leads to severe consequences, as evidenced by the current situation.
Alake assured that experts and ministry reports would recommend interventions to prevent future occurrences. He praised the Zamfara government for deploying emergency services to the affected area and called for stronger collaboration between state officials and the Ministry.
He stressed the importance of expelling illegal miners to safeguard lives endangered by a few individuals’ greed. He also announced that the ministry would soon release a comprehensive SOP to manage the resumption of mining activities, which will address existing mining licences, fresh applicants, and compliance with community development agreements.
The SOP will also focus on beneficiation and remediation efforts to revamp the mining sector. Alake noted the approval of deploying satellite technology to monitor mining sites nationwide, aiming to curb illegal mining and malpractice.
NAN recalls that in 2017, a lead poisoning epidemic claimed the lives of over 300 children under five in Yar-Galma village of Bukkuyum LGA, highlighting the persistent danger of illegal mining activities in the region.