- By Halimah Olamide
About seven miners have been rescued after the mining site where they worked collapsed on Tuesday.
It was leant that the site collapsed at a time many were there causing panic of possible fatalities.
However, officials of the Ministry of Solid Minerals were said to have been deployed in the site to commence rescue operations.
A video of the site seen by the NPO Reports showed hundreds of concerned people trooping to the site
The mining site is located in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake disclosed that the swift action of the Federal Government underscores its commitment to mitigating the adverse impact of the incident and rescuing 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,” Alake added.
It would be recalled that the Minister recently announced a policy making remedial measures for mining pits mandatory as part of the criteria for applying for mining licenses. This aims to minimize such accidents.
Alake said he is monitoring the situation at the mining site operated by African Minerals and Logistics Ltd.