Two persons have been confirmed dead and three others injured following the collapse of a mining pit at Ihietutu village in the Ishiagu community, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The state Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Chidi Onyia, who visited the site on Friday with officials of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, security agencies, and other regulatory bodies, said an investigation had begun to determine the actual cause of the incident.
“Mining, like many industries worldwide, comes with hazards,” Onyia stated. “From our preliminary findings, this was a natural occurrence and not a result of negligence. However, investigation is ongoing by all regulatory bodies, including the police, DSS, and Civil Defence, to ensure transparency. If we find recklessness, we will act accordingly. But if it is a natural disaster, we must accept it as such.”
The tragic incident, which occurred penultimate Friday, was initially linked to alleged negligence by Greenfield Metals Ltd., the operators of the pit. But Onyia dismissed speculations, insisting that the site was not in the hands of illegal miners.
He added: “We commiserate with the bereaved families. The public should not worsen their grief with false claims. Here, we fully respect licenses issued by the Federal Government, and the state does not encourage illegal mining.”
Supporting the company, Prince Fabian Chukwu, Chairman of the Ihetutu Development Union Board of Trustees, described Greenfield Metals Ltd. as a reliable partner to the host community.
“They built the road to this site and have never delayed in giving the community its entitlements,” Chukwu said. “That is why we stand by them in this unfortunate incident.”
Meanwhile, the company has suspended its operations at the site pending the conclusion of the investigation.
