Residents of Iperindo in Osun State have raised concerns over the safety of their homes and families, alleging that repeated explosions at Nigeria’s largest commercial gold mine are damaging buildings, spreading dust and putting lives at risk.
An investigation by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), published on October 16, 2026, found that residents living near the Segilola gold mine have been dealing with the effects of frequent blasting operations, with some fearing that their houses could collapse.
The mine is operated by Segilola Resources Operating Limited, a subsidiary of Thor Explorations, a Canadian mining company.
One of the most disturbing incidents occurred in October 2022, when 46-year-old Muyideen Adegboyega was killed by a flying piece of rock while riding his scooter near the mining site.
Although the company said Adegboyega had breached an exclusion zone and police checkpoint, a woman who claimed to have been riding with him disputed the account, alleging that traffic was still moving along the road when the incident occurred.
Adegboyega’s death has continued to haunt his widow, Kafayat, who said she has struggled to provide for their four children despite assistance from the mining company.
Residents fear their houses could collapse
Several residents interviewed during the investigation described living in constant fear whenever explosions occur at the mine.
Community leader Olanrewaju Olowookere reportedly showed investigators damaged buildings in his neighbourhood, expressing concern that continued blasting could eventually cause more houses to collapse.
Farmers and other residents also complained of cracks in their walls, vibrations that shake their homes and dust that settles on rooftops, roads and farmland.
According to the investigation, blasting reportedly occurs between three and five times weekly, with some residents saying the explosions take place while children are in school.
The report also revealed that an independent technical assessment commissioned in 2021 had warned of potential risks associated with blasting close to homes and public infrastructure, including flying rocks, vibrations, dust and possible water pollution.
Health concerns and environmental risks
Beyond structural damage, residents alleged that dust from the mining operations had contributed to coughing, breathing difficulties, sneezing and eye irritation.
Some community members also expressed concerns about possible contamination of local water sources.
However, Thor Explorations rejected claims that its operations had caused adverse health effects, arguing that the symptoms described by residents were not sufficient to establish a direct link to mining activities.
The company maintained that it operates under the required statutory approvals, including an approved Environmental Impact Assessment, and conducts environmental monitoring in line with applicable regulations.
Thor also said it had assessed houses within 500 metres of the relevant blasting zone and carried out 15 repairs to local homes since 2023. It disputed the investigation’s interpretation of Nigeria’s blasting regulations and denied operating unlawfully or without appropriate safety measures.
Questions over enforcement of mining regulations
The investigation highlighted concerns about the enforcement of Nigeria’s environmental and blasting regulations, which include provisions restricting blasting within three kilometres of existing residential, commercial or industrial areas.
Experts interviewed by the investigators said weak enforcement and overlapping responsibilities among regulatory authorities could make it difficult to hold mining operators accountable.
The Federal Government agencies responsible for mining and environmental enforcement reportedly did not respond to requests for comment, while an official from the Osun State Government said authorities were monitoring pollution concerns associated with the mine.
The investigation also drew attention to the mine’s financial success. Thor reported record revenue of $325.5 million in 2025, while the Osun State Government holds shares in the company.
An environmental law expert questioned whether government ownership of shares could create a conflict of interest when the state is also involved in monitoring the company’s operations. Thor rejected the suggestion that its shareholding arrangements created such a conflict.
As the mining company continues to expand its operations, residents of Iperindo are calling attention to the human cost of gold production and the need for effective safeguards.
The controversy has renewed questions about whether Nigeria’s mining regulations are being adequately enforced and whether communities living close to major industrial projects are receiving sufficient protection.
