Zamfara Mine Collapse: FG Installing Satellite Surveillance Systems To Curb Illegal Mining -Alake

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has announced that the government has commenced the installation of a satellite surveillance system to enable real-time monitoring and proactive responses to deter illegal mining activities.

This development followed the collapse of a mine pit in Kadauri Village, Maru LGA of Zamfara State on Friday, which left no fewer than 15 miners dead.

According to a statement on Sunday by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) swiftly deployed Federal Mines officers in the state to lead rescue operations following the report of the collapse.

“To further 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 such as the Zamfara collapse, while deterring illegal activities”.

The minister noted that the collapse, triggered by heavy rainfall and aggravated by the unlawful activities of illegal miners, trapped at least fifteen (15) itinerant mine workers. Thirteen (13) of them have been recovered, tragically with no survivors.

He added that efforts are on course to recover the remaining two, still trapped in the rubble.

He stressed that relevant departments of the ministry have been mobilised to aid rescue operations and unearth the circumstances leading to the incident.

The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining, warning all involved to desist or face the full weight of the law.

“We will not relent until we rid this country of the nefarious activities of illegal miners. Despite our vast land mass, we remain undaunted. With satellite surveillance and other enforcement measures underway, we aim to drastically reduce mine collapses across the country and tighten the noose around sponsors of illegal mining”, Alake asserted.