Over 4,000 Abandoned Mining Pits In Plateau, Alake Seeks Investors For Repurposing

Over 4,000 Abandoned Mining Pits in Plateau, Alake Seeks Investors for Repurposing The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has disclosed that Plateau State has more than 4,000 abandoned mining pits, warning of the dangers they pose while urging investors to partner with the government to transform the sites into productive economic assets. Alake made the disclosure following the death of seven people in the collapse of an abandoned tin-mining pit at Kassa in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The minister said the tragedy underscored the urgent need to address abandoned mining sites across the state. He warned illegal miners against entering abandoned pits to extract minerals without the necessary licences, describing such activities as extremely dangerous. According to Alake, the incident could have been avoided if the affected artisanal miners had formed a cooperative and obtained the appropriate permits. Licensed miners, he explained, can access training through the ministry’s artisanal mining department while operating within safer and regulated conditions. Beyond addressing the safety risks, the minister said the Federal Government wants to turn abandoned mining sites into centres of economic opportunity. He specifically invited private investors to collaborate with government in converting the abandoned pits into projects in areas such as energy, tourism and fisheries. Alake described private-sector participation as one of the fastest ways to transform these neglected sites from liabilities into productive assets. The minister also revealed that the Federal Government has so far rehabilitated 59 abandoned mining pits, indicating that reclamation remains part of its broader strategy for the mining sector. The Plateau situation highlights a wider challenge associated with Nigeria’s mining industry, where abandoned excavation sites can remain dangerous long after mining activities have stopped. Proper rehabilitation, regulation and investment could therefore serve both environmental and economic purposes.

Alake’s call presents the abandoned pits not only as a safety concern but also as potential investment opportunities, with the government seeking partnerships capable of converting hazardous sites into commercially viable ventures.