FG seals collapsed mining pit as Ebonyi govt begins investigation
The Federal Government has sealed up a mining pit at Ihietutu Ishiagu, in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, following its collapse.
Recall that two persons had lost their lives when the mining pit collapsed in Ihietutu, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area last Friday.
This development made the Ebonyi State Government to visit the mining pit, in order to investigate the remote and immediate cause of the ugly incident.
The Government, in its findings absolved Greenfield Metals Ltd of blames, insisting that contrary to speculations in some quarters, the incident is suspected to have been a natural occurrence.
During a visit to the site, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Hon. Chidi Onyia Emmanuel who led an inspection team yesterday, alongside Federal Mines officers and Security Agencies, debunked media reports that the site was parcelled out to illegal miners.
He insisted that Greenfield Metals operated with a valid Mining License and wasn’t instrumental to the ugly incident.
“We are here because of the unfortunate incident that claimed two lives. Mining, like many industries worldwide, comes with hazards. From our findings, this was a natural occurrence and not a result of negligence,” he said, while commiserating with the bereaved families.
He stressed that investigations were ongoing to ascertain the cause of the incident assuring that all regulatory bodies, including the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, police, DSS, and Civil Defence, were involved 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 Commissioner appealed for responsible reporting, urging the public not to worsen the grief of the affected families with false claims.
He emphasised that Ebonyi State does not encourage illegal mining and fully respects licenses issued by the federal government.
Also speaking, the CEO of Greenfield Metals Ltd, Mr. Henry Ahanotu described the incident as “deeply unfortunate,” noting that safety remains a top priority at the site.
“We maintain strict health, safety and environmental standards, and our facilities are inspected regularly. This incident came as a shock, but we are already investigating the root cause to prevent a recurrence,” he said.
He further explained that the Company has a cordial relationship with the host communities as it has been employing locals and supporting development projects. “We have built roads, provided scholarships, and created jobs. We see the Community as partners, not outsiders,” Ahanotu added.
Community leaders who also joined the government officials for the visit also defended the Company, commending its contributions to Local development.
One of them, Prince Fabian Chukwu who is the Board of Trustees Chairman, Ihietutu Development Union, said, “The Company has been number one in empowerment. 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.”
Daily Times visited the site and observed that Greenfield Metals has since suspended operations at the site pending the outcome of investigations by the Ebonyi State Government.
