The federal government has inaugurated an 18-member high-level committee to investigate the gas poisoning incident at the Zurak Mines in Wase LGA of Plateau state, which left dozens dead and several others hospitalised.
The tragedy occurred on February 18 at a mining site in Kampani Zurak, where exposure to toxic gaseous emissions reportedly killed 37 people and left 25 others receiving treatment.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, Dele Alake, the minister of solid minerals development directed the committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the technical, environmental, regulatory and community factors surrounding the incident, with a mandate to submit its findings within 21 days.
His remarks were delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Faruk Yabo.
Alake described the disaster as both painful and a warning signal, stressing the need for strict compliance with global mining safety standards.
“The incident is rare and requires a comprehensive investigation to determine its immediate and remote causes,” he said.
He also disclosed that early observations pointed to possible lapses in safety compliance, weak regulatory oversight, operator negligence, and the involvement of local youths within the mining area.
The minister ordered the immediate suspension of operations at the affected site, Mining Licence 11810, operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited, pending the outcome of investigations.
“In view of the seriousness of this incident and the need to safeguard lives and preserve the integrity of the investigation, Solid Unit Mining Company has been placed on immediate suspension,” he stated, adding that the suspension covers all related operations until further notice.
Alake charged the committee to produce a detailed technical account of the incident, including analysis of gas emissions, geological conditions, ventilation systems, and any previous safety breaches within the site.
He also directed members to examine the role of technical supervisors, mining activities under the licence, transport routes, buyers, and compliance with statutory obligations such as royalty payments.
Other areas of focus include security concerns in the Wase/Zurak axis, regulatory safeguards for community-based mining arrangements, environmental compliance, and funding challenges facing regulatory agencies.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Faruk Yabo, said the incident highlighted the urgent need to strengthen safety and security measures across mining sites in the country.
He said the committee’s work would help ensure accountability and provide evidence-based recommendations to prevent a repeat of such tragedies.
The committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry and co-chaired by Peter Gwom, Plateau state 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 General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, among others.