Minister Of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake has confirmed reports of Lead Poisoning In Bugundu LGA of Zamfara State, accusing traditional and local authorities of allowing illegal miners to operate in their areas in flagrant violation of ban on mining activities in the area by the Federal Government.
Fresh outbreak of Lead poisoning in Zamfara State is coming after similar incident about 15 years ago between March and June 2010 claimed 163 lives including those of 111 children. There were a total of 355 confirmed cases of Lead poisoning in 2010 with health authorities reporting 46% fatality rate.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has ordered illegal miners to immediately vacate all sites in Zamfara State saying the six-year-old ban on mining activities there is still in force until the release of Standard Operating Procedures that will guide resumption Of exploration.
The comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures to be released soon will not only guide resumption of mining activities In Zamfara State but address cases of existing holders of mining licenses and fresh applicants, compliance with Community Development Agreements, and beneficiation and remediation efforts to overhaul sector.
