A devastating mine collapse has occurred in Zamfara State, Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of 13 miners, with several others feared trapped.
The incident happened at the Kadauri mining site in Maru local government area, where scores of artisanal miners were working underground when the pit caved in due to heavy rainfall and unstable soil conditions.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has condemned the tragedy, describing the loss of lives as “avoidable and unfortunate”. “We will not relent until we rid this country of the nefarious activities of illegal miners,” Alake asserted. The ministry has deployed Federal Mines officers to lead rescue operations, working alongside state officials and community members.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with several miners still trapped underground. According to eyewitnesses, over 100 miners were involved in the collapse, with only a few rescued alive. “We are lucky to be rescued alive. Out of more than 100 people, only 15 of us were rescued,” said Isa Sani, one of the survivors, who is receiving treatment for injuries.
The collapse has highlighted the dangers of illegal mining in Zamfara, where armed gangs often control gold fields, fueling violence and deadly accidents. The government has vowed to take a zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining, with efforts underway to expand the scope of mining marshals’ operations across the country.
To strengthen oversight and monitoring of mining sites nationwide, the Ministry has commenced the process of installing satellite surveillance systems. This will enable real-time monitoring and proactive responses to incidents, while deterring illegal activities. Preliminary investigations reveal that the area is characterized by loose sand and traces of gold, making it suitable for alluvial mining.
The Federal Government has intensified security operations in the state and the North-west region to ensure that full mining operations resume in earnest. The Tinubu administration is tackling the issue decisively through military clearance operations coordinated by the National Security Adviser.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for tighter regulation and enforcement in the mining sector to prevent such tragedies in the future. As rescue operations continue, the nation mourns the loss of lives and urges the government to take concrete actions to address the issue of illegal mining.