Communication report and search

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1 communications found
Date, Country,
Type and
ref. no. of
communication
Mandates Summary Replies received
    21 Dec 2012
    Nigeria
    JUA
  • health
  • toxics and human rights
Alleged on-going lead contamination and poisoning in Zamfara State. According to the information received, artisanal gold mines are found throughout Zamfara State in northwestern Nigeria. The high levels of lead found in the earth coupled with the use of rudimentary mining methods have reportedly resulted in a lead poisoning epidemic among children. In May 2012, President Jonathan reportedly pledged approximately US$5 million to clean up areas that have been contaminated with lead during artisanal gold mining operations, with a specific focus on the Bagega area of Zamfara State. Despite the Government’s pledge, no money had allegedly been released. Importantly, it is alleged that the remediation of Bagega must start immediately in order to ensure that decontamination is completed before the beginning of the rainy season.
Alleged victims: -
More details...
04 Jan 2013