The Ebonyi State Government has commenced an investigation into the recent collapse of a mining pit in Ihietutu village, Ishiagu community, Ivo Local Government Area of the state.
Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Chidi Onyia, disclosed this on Friday during a fact-finding mission to the site, alongside federal mining officers and security agencies.
Two persons were confirmed dead while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries when a section of the pit, operated by Greenfield Metals Ltd, caved in penultimate Friday.
Although the incident was initially blamed on negligence by the operators, Onyia said preliminary findings suggested 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. Investigation is ongoing by all regulatory bodies, including the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, police, DSS, and NSCDC, 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 explained.
He commiserated with the bereaved families and stressed that the site was not leased to illegal miners as alleged. He also urged the public not to compound the grief of the families with false claims.
A community leader and Chairman of the Ihietutu Development Union Board of Trustees, Prince Fabian Chukwu, expressed support for the company, noting its contributions to the area.
“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 said.
Greenfield Metals Ltd has since suspended operations at the site pending the outcome of investigations.
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