At least 100 people are feared dead after a gold mining pit collapsed in Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria, according to survivors and local residents. The disaster struck on Thursday at the Kadauri mining site in the Maru local government area, where scores of artisanal miners were working underground. Rescue operations continued into Friday amid fading hopes of finding survivors.
The incident
Witnesses said the pit caved in suddenly, trapping miners who had descended deep into narrow tunnels in search of gold. The collapse left workers unable to escape as earth and rock buried the shafts. Locals joined rescue efforts with limited equipment, digging with shovels and bare hands while awaiting official support.
Scale of the tragedy
Although authorities have not confirmed an official death toll, residents and survivors estimate that at least 100 miners may have been killed. The number could rise as recovery teams continue searching through the debris. Dozens of families gathered near the site on Friday, many waiting anxiously for news of missing relatives.
Risks of artisanal mining
Zamfara State is known for unregulated artisanal mining, a key source of livelihood for thousands despite its dangers. Lack of safety standards, poor infrastructure, and the unstable nature of makeshift tunnels have contributed to frequent accidents. Experts note that collapses are common in such informal mining operations, which remain largely outside government oversight.
Government response
Local authorities confirmed the collapse and pledged to assist with rescue operations. However, limited resources have slowed progress, and residents say much of the initial work has fallen to volunteers. Nigeria’s federal government has previously promised to formalise and regulate artisanal mining, but implementation has been slow, particularly in remote regions.
Broader implications
The tragedy highlights both the economic dependence on artisanal mining in Nigeria and the urgent need for stronger safety enforcement. With global demand for gold remaining high, informal mining is likely to continue, exposing vulnerable communities to repeated risks. Observers warn that without regulation and investment in safer practices, further disasters are inevitable.
Newshub Editorial in Africa – 27 September 2025
Recent Comments