The Ebonyi State Government says it has commenced an investigation into the collapse of a mining pit in Ihietutu, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of the state.
Mr. Chidi Onyia, Commissioner for Solid Minerals in Ebonyi, disclosed this during a fact-finding mission to the site alongside federal mines officers and security agencies.
It will be recalled that two persons lost their lives while three others were injured when the mining site collapsed last Friday.
Reports in some quarters alleged negligence on the part of the company, Greenfield Metals Ltd., but Onyia said preliminary investigations suggest it was a natural occurrence.
“Mining, like many industries worldwide, comes with hazards.
From our preliminary findings, this was a natural occurrence and not a result of negligence.
Investigations are ongoing by all regulatory bodies, including the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, the police, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to ensure transparency.
If we find recklessness, we will act accordingly. But if it is a natural disaster, we must accept it as such,” Onyia said.
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He commiserated with the bereaved families while debunking reports that the site had been parcelled out to illegal miners.
The commissioner urged the public not to worsen the grief of families with false claims, stressing that the state does not encourage illegal mining and fully respects licences issued by the federal government.
Prince Fabian Chukwu, a community leader and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ihietutu Development Union, said the company had empowered many people in 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.”
The company has since suspended operations at the site pending the outcome of investigations.
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