Artisanal miners have returned to a gold mining site in Minna, Niger State, despite the recent deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were detained during a security operation.
The miners, including teenagers, women and adults, were seen carrying out mining activities at the M.I. Wushishi site days after a major operation by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps resulted in the arrest of scores of suspected illegal miners.
The miners were reportedly using shovels, picks and other hand tools to excavate loose soil and search for gold. Some were also seen using water from a nearby stream to separate excavated materials...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The return to the site comes amid continuing concern over the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 detainees. The NSCDC initially said the detainees were found dead following a suspected disease outbreak, while investigations into the incident are ongoing. Authorities have also suspended and detained personnel linked to the incident. (Vanguard News)
For some of the miners, however, the risks associated with returning to the site appear less immediate than the economic hardship they face if they stop mining.
One miner who has reportedly spent more than 15 years at the site said staying away from the mining area for only a few days had already affected his livelihood. He explained that many miners depend on the activity because they have few profitable alternatives available to them.
The miner also said those working at the site had developed strong relationships over the years and regarded one another as a close community. He added that he was still unable to determine exactly how many people remained detained or how many had died following the arrests.
Another miner, a 26 year old man who said he had worked at the site for about two years, described how some workers fled after receiving information that security personnel were approaching. He also alleged that he had previously been arrested and assaulted during an operation against suspected illegal miners.
The miner further alleged that money was demanded before his previous release and claimed that a friend was shot during an encounter with security personnel. These claims remain allegations and have not been independently established.
The miners’ decision to return has highlighted the difficult economic circumstances surrounding informal mining in the area. Despite the dangers associated with the activity, including possible landslides and security operations, many workers say mining remains one of their few available sources of income.
The development has also intensified attention on the wider problem of illegal and artisanal mining in Niger State, particularly the involvement of young people in mining activities and the lack of alternative livelihoods in communities where the practice has become economically important.
Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 detainees remain under investigation. The NSCDC has said the investigation will determine what happened, while authorities have indicated that personnel found responsible will face disciplinary or legal consequences.
The return of miners to the site therefore presents a difficult challenge for authorities, who are seeking to tackle illegal mining while also confronting the economic realities that continue to drive residents back to the pits.
