‎Illegal Mining Puts Zamfara On Brink Of Lead Poisoning Crisis

‎The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Gusau, Prof Mu’azu Abubakar, has warned that Zamfara State is at risk of a widespread lead poisoning crisis if urgent action is not taken.

Sponsored Ads

‎Speaking at a seminar organised by the university’s Centre for Environmental Research and Sustainability, Abubakar said extensive mining across the state—both legal and illegal—was endangering lives. He noted that the discovery of gold had drawn thousands of miners, causing many residents to abandon other trades and farming.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT

‎According to him, the shift to mining has crippled agriculture, with cotton production disappearing and textile industries shutting down. He also lamented that children were leaving school to work in mines, increasing health risks from lead exposure.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT

‎Abubakar recalled past cases where children died or were left disabled by lead poisoning. He revealed that more than 100,000 artisanal miners and licensed companies are operating in Zamfara despite previous bans, worsening the crisis.

‎He also linked the mining boom to insecurity, alleging that some influential individuals use bandits to clear communities for mining, while miners themselves are rarely attacked.

‎The Managing Director of the Zamfara State Mineral Development Company, Nasir Alhassan, said the government would address both the poisoning threat and insecurity, and may establish a lead control centre at the university.