By Martha Agas
The Federal Government has inaugurated a high-level 18-member committee to investigate the Zurak Mines gas poisoning incident in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau.
The incident, which occurred on Feb. 18 at a mining site in Kampani Zurak, left 37 people dead and 25 others hospitalised after exposure to gaseous emissions.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, had ordered the immediate closure of the affected area, Mining Licence 11810, operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited pending investigations.
Speaking at the inauguration, Alake mandated the committee to examine technical, environmental, regulatory and community factors and submit recommendations within 21 days.
His address was read by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Faruk Yabo.
He described the incident as painful and a wake-up call for strict adherence to global safety standards in mining.
Alake said the incident was rare and required a comprehensive investigation to determine its immediate and remote causes.
He said preliminary findings indicated poor safety compliance, weak regulatory enforcement, operator negligence and involvement of community youths in the ceded lease area.
The minister directed the committee to ensure transparency and make clear recommendations to prevent future occurrences.
“In view of the seriousness of this incident and the need to safeguard lives and preserve the integrity of the investigation, I wish to formally restate that Solid Unit Mining Company has been placed on immediate suspension.
“This covers all mining operations at ML 11810 and any other associated site,” he said.
He added that the suspension would remain until the investigation was concluded and recommendations adopted.
Alake said the move reflected the administration’s zero tolerance for negligence and commitment to safe mining practices, stressing that unsafe operations deter investment.
“The committee is to provide a detailed technical description of the incident, including gaseous emissions, geological conditions, ventilation status and any prior occurrences within the lease area.
“Identify technical experts engaged by the company and their role in supervision and determine minerals mined under ML 11810, transport methods and buyers.
He said the committee would also examine compliance with royalty and other statutory obligations.
Other terms of reference include reviewing security challenges in the Wase/Zurak axis, proposing regulatory safeguards for community ceding arrangements and improving financing mechanisms for regulatory agencies.
He said the committee would also review community relations, environmental compliance, as well as all statutory obligations, and would be supported administratively and technically by the ministry.
Earlier in his remarks, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Faruk Yabo, said the Zurak incident underscored the urgent need to strengthen security and safety measures at mining sites.
Yabo said the inauguration of the committee was a demonstration of the Federal Government’s resolve to safeguard lives, ensure accountability and promote sustainable mining practices.
He said the committee was expected to provide clear, evidence-based findings and actionable recommendations that would be instrumental in forestalling future occurrences.
The committee is chaired by the ministrys Permanent Secretary and co-chaired by Mr Peter Gwom, Plateaus Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development.
Other members include the Emir of Wase, the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, the Chairman of Wase Local Government Council and the GOC, 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, among others. (NAN)
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