Unregulated Mining, A Threat to Lives—Dele Alake
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The catastrophic gold mine collapse in Zamboye in the Central African Republic, which claimed over 100 lives, has sparked fresh calls for stricter regulatory oversight across the continent.
The call for immediate reform was issued in an official statement by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, in his capacity as Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG).
Dr. Alake described the C.A.R. mining disaster as a grim reminder of the daily perils confronting artisanal miners in Africa and called for safer mining legal frameworks across the continent.
He extended his deepest condolences to the government and citizens of the Central African Republic, particularly the grieving families of the victims.
The High Cost of Unregulated Mining
The AMSG Chairman emphasized that this latest tragedy must serve as a turning point for African nations to launch aggressive crackdowns on illegal and unsafe mining practices.
Data shows that the human cost of unsafe and unchecked mining operations in Africa keeps growing. Many miners operate in structurally compromised tunnels without safety gear.
Furthermore, ground excavations encourage severe environmental degradation, leading to soil erosion and chemical water pollution.
On the flip side is the economic cost as mining networks continue to smuggle precious gemstones and metals, depriving governments of critical tax revenues.
Balancing Enforcement with Formalisation
While Alake stressed that law enforcement must aggressively dismantle criminal mining syndicates, he noted that enforcement alone is not enough. The AMSG is advocating for a dual-action strategy that balances strict regulation with economic inclusion.
The statement noted that African governments must establish clear, accessible pathways to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). By transitioning informal miners into legal, cooperative frameworks, states can provide training, enforce safety standards, and grant miners access to legitimate markets.
