The Federal Government has identified over 4,000 abandoned mine pits in Plateau State as potential sites for investment in various sectors, including energy, tourism, and fisheries. This initiative follows a tragic incident where an abandoned tin mine pit in Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, collapsed, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, emphasized the need for private investors to partner with the government in repurposing these hazardous sites into productive economic ventures. He stated that the tragedy could have been averted if the miners had formed cooperatives and obtained the necessary licenses, highlighting the risks associated with illegal mining activities.

In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, Alake expressed condolences to the Plateau State Government and the families affected by the incident. He urged artisanal miners nationwide to learn from this unfortunate event and prioritize safety by adhering to legal mining practices.

The minister noted that the abandoned pits were created by Amalgamated Tin Mines Limited and its successor companies, including Consolidated Tin Mines Limited and Nigerian Tin and Allied Products Limited. He described the challenge as transforming these sites from dangerous reminders of past mining activities into centers of economic prosperity.

Alake stated, "The government welcomes investors interested in repurposing these pits for energy, tourism, and fishery projects." He highlighted that public-private partnerships are essential for achieving this goal, with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development having already rehabilitated 59 abandoned mine pits.

To facilitate the identification and assessment of these legacy pits, the ministry has initiated a strategic plan utilizing advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) satellite mapping and Artificial Intelligence. This initiative, in collaboration with ImPPPact Nigeria Alliance and geomatics specialist Intomatics, will begin in Plateau State as a pilot project.

Alake encouraged potential investors to contact the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office and the ministry’s Mines and Environmental Compliance Department for information on investment opportunities. He also pointed out the availability of funding through the Solid Minerals Development Fund.

In addition to addressing the abandoned pits, the government is taking proactive measures to prevent future environmental hazards caused by mining companies. Alake announced the activation of the Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Fund, which aims to ensure that mining companies contribute to the rehabilitation of mine sites after their operations cease. He stated, "Very soon, we shall conclude discussions with the fund managers. Thenceforth, mining companies must pay into the Fund so that it can rehabilitate mine pits if the companies don’t do so during closure."

This initiative comes as part of the Federal Government's renewed efforts to sanitize Nigeria’s mining sector, particularly concerning artisanal and illegal mining operations, while simultaneously attracting investment into the country’s largely untapped mineral resources. The recent tragedy has also reignited discussions on the dangers posed by abandoned mining sites, especially in communities where unlicensed miners continue to seek residual minerals in old pits.