Natural factors responsible for Ebonyi mining tragedy — FNMHC

Following a recent mining pit incident that claimed two lives, the Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities (FNMHC) has visited the site in Ihietutu, Ebonyi, attributing the collapse to natural causes rather than professional negligence.

The delegation’s visit to the Greenfield Metals Ltd. site was to assess the situation and commiserate with the affected community.

The Ebonyi mining tragedy on August 15, which resulted in two fatalities and three injuries, occurred after individuals allegedly entered the sealed pit to collect lead without authorisation.

Dr Francis Orji, State Coordinator for the FNMHC and former Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, led the team, which included Dr. Kelechi Okezie, Zonal Coordinator for the South-East, and Ms. Sylvia Ogbuinya, State Chairperson of Women in Mining, Nigeria.

In his remarks, Dr. Orji dismissed earlier media reports suggesting negligence, stating, “Our observation shows that the pit collapse was not due to professional negligence as earlier reported in some sections of the media.

“The cause of deaths is still being investigated, but we may not rule out natural factors such as heavy rainfall.”

He noted that this position aligned with the State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Mr Chidi Onyia, who had previously confirmed that the miners were licensed and legally compliant with safety standards.

The federation, while reiterating its zero tolerance for illegal and unlicensed mining, advocated for the swift reopening of the site.

Dr Orji emphasised the economic impact of the closure, stating, “Sealing the site for a prolonged period will jeopardise the operators and the livelihoods of employees who depend on the company to survive.”

He appealed to the state government and relevant agencies to expedite their investigation to allow the timely reopening, warning that a prolonged shutdown could “fuel restiveness in the community.”

The FNMHC delegation met with community leaders, including Chief Emeka Ogbonna, Chairman of the Ihietutu Development Union (IDU).

Ogbonna praised the mining companies for their significant contributions to local infrastructure, including road construction, a health centre, and scholarships.

“Most of the roads in our community were undertaken through our partnership with the mining companies,” he said, describing the incident as an “unfortunate occupational hazard” and reassuring the visitors that the community and operators have a cordial relationship.

Dr Okezie also spoke on the federation’s mission, stressing the importance of ensuring host communities benefit from their resources.

“In many cases, instead of enjoying the wealth from their resources, host communities are left poorer,” he said, adding that the federation’s advocacy is for mining to “translate into sustainable development and environmental protection.”