Gas explosion at Nigerian lead mine kills dozens of workers

At least 38 miners were killed and 27 others were injured following a gas explosion at a lead mine in Plateau State, located in central Nigeria.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), which cited local sources, the incident occurred in the morning at the Kampanin Zurak mine in the Bashar area. Acting traditional ruler Alhaji Aliyu Adamu Idris said all those who died were underground at the time of the blast, adding that most of the victims were young men aged between 20 and 35.

Rescue teams attempted to reach and assist those trapped, but many could not be saved. Survivors were transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

A confidential report by security services reviewed by AFP indicated that the fatalities were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.

Kampanin Zurak is an old mining settlement in the Wase district, where extraction operations are carried out by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited. Plateau State has long been known for its mineral resources, while its capital, Jos, is widely referred to as the “Tin City.” In recent years, however, the mining industry in the region has declined, and authorities have linked an increase in violence to illegal mining activities and extortion carried out by armed groups.

By Tamilla Hasanova