Ebonyi Govt Probes Mining Pit Collapse in Ivo LGA, Cites Possible Natural Cause

The Ebonyi State Government has launched an investigation into the recent collapse of a mining pit in Ihietutu, located in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area. The Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Mr. Chidi Onyia, made this known during a visit to the site alongside federal mining officials and security agencies on a fact-finding mission.

The tragic incident, which occurred last Friday, claimed the lives of two individuals and left three others injured. While some reports have accused Greenfield Metals Ltd., the company operating the site, of negligence, Onyia stated that early findings indicate the collapse may have been a result of natural causes. “Mining, like many industries, carries inherent risks,” he said. “From what we have seen so far, this appears to be a natural event rather than the result of negligence.”

He added that a thorough investigation is ongoing, involving several regulatory bodies including the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, the Police, DSS, and NSCDC. Onyia stressed that if any form of recklessness is uncovered, appropriate action will be taken. He also expressed condolences to the affected families and dismissed allegations that the site was handed over to illegal miners.

Meanwhile, Prince Fabian Chukwu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ihietutu Development Union, defended the company, noting that it has significantly contributed to the community’s development by constructing access roads and fulfilling its obligations to locals. In light of the incident, Greenfield Metals Ltd. has temporarily halted operations at the site pending the conclusion of investigations.