At Least 37 Miners Die from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Nigerian Mine Collapse

Plateau. At least 37 mine workers have died from suffocation due to carbon monoxide gas at a mine in the central region of Nigeria. This tragic incident occurred on Wednesday morning at a closed lead mine in the Kampa community, in the Wase area of Plateau State.

Citing police sources and security reports, Reuters stated that 25 others were seriously ill due to the toxic gas and are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals. According to government officials, the deadly gas was emitted from mineral deposits accumulated inside the long-unused mine.

Local villagers, unaware of the gas hazard, entered the mine for excavation and collapsed at the scene after inhaling the poisonous air. Dele Alake, Nigeria's Solid Minerals Minister, confirmed the incident, stating that the accident occurred while people were illegally entering the mine. Security forces have now completely cordoned off the area to prevent further loss of life.

Illegal mining operations conducted without government oversight and safety standards have remained a major problem in Nigeria. The federal government has ordered the immediate suspension of all mining activities around the area to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident.

Although Plateau State is historically famous for mining, such accidents have been increasing in recent years due to a lack of security. Last year alone, 18 people died in a mine collapse in Zamfara State.

Such accidents during the search for mineral wealth across the African continent have exacted a heavy human toll. Just last month, about 200 people died in a mine collapse at the Ruwaya Coltan mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The landslide in that region, which produces 15% of the world's Coltan used in making parts for mobile phones and computers, caused massive damage.