The Ebonyi State Government says it has launched an investigation into the collapse of a mining pit at Ihietutu village, Ishiagu community, Ivo Local Government Area.
The state Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Chidi Onyia, disclosed this on Friday during a fact-finding visit to the site alongside federal mining officials and security agencies.
The incident, which occurred penultimate Friday, claimed two lives and left three others injured. Initial reports had blamed the tragedy on negligence by pit operator, Greenfield Metals Ltd., but Onyia said preliminary findings suggested it was a natural occurrence.
“Mining, like many industries, comes with hazards. From what we have seen so far, this was a natural disaster, not negligence,” he said, adding that investigations by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, police, DSS, and NSCDC were ongoing.
Onyia commiserated with the bereaved families and dismissed allegations of illegal mining, stressing that the site was operated under a valid federal license.
Community leader and chairman of the Ihietutu Development Union Board of Trustees, Prince Fabian Chukwu, defended the company, noting it had contributed to local development by building access roads and fulfilling community obligations.
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Greenfield Metals has since suspended operations at the site pending the outcome of the investigation.
