The Ebonyi State Government has launched a comprehensive investigation into the collapse of a mining pit in Ihietutu, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area that resulted in two fatalities and three injuries last Friday.
Mr. Chidi Onyia, the State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, disclosed this information during a fact-finding mission to the site, accompanied by federal mines officers and security agencies.
While addressing allegations of negligence against Greenfield Metals Ltd., the company operating the site, Onyia stated that preliminary findings suggest the collapse was a natural occurrence rather than the result of negligence.
"Mining, like many industries worldwide, comes with hazards. From our preliminary findings, this was a natural occurrence and not a result of negligence," Onyia explained.
He further emphasized that the investigation involves multiple regulatory bodies to ensure transparency, including the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, Police, Department of State Services, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
"If we find recklessness, we will act accordingly. But if it is a natural disaster, we must accept it as such," the Commissioner added.
Onyia also refuted reports claiming the site had been parcelled out to illegal miners, stressing that the state government does not encourage illegal mining activities and fully respects licenses issued by the Federal Government.
Prince Fabian Chukwu, Board of Trustees Chairman of the Ihietutu Development Union and a community leader, defended the mining company's relationship with the community.
"They built the road to this site and never delayed in giving the community its due entitlements. That is why we stand by them in this unfortunate incident," Chukwu stated.
The Commissioner extended condolences to the bereaved families and urged the public not to worsen their grief with false claims about the incident.
Greenfield Metals Ltd. has suspended operations at the mining site pending the outcome of the ongoing investigations.
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