The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, yesterday in Abuja inaugurated a committee to investigate the causes of the Zurak mine poisoning incident that claimed 37 lives, with 20 others hospitalised on February 18, 2026.
While inaugurating the committee, the minister, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engr Frank Yusuf Yabo, also announced the suspension of the mining operations of Solid Unit Mining Company Limited until the committee submits its report within 21 days and the recommendations are accepted.
The 18-man committee is chaired by Engr. Yabo, the ministry’s permanent secretary, and co-chaired by the Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Peter Gwom.
Alake, who described the incident as painful, said it will serve as a wake-up call for everyone saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the nation’s minefields are safe and secure in line with global practices.
He noted that the mining disaster was a departure from other reported cases of ground caving-in, pit collapse, mudslide, and fall of wall, adding that a thorough and incisive inquest is needed to uncover the remote and immediate causes of the incident to forestall future occurrences.
community. The term of reference includes to provide a technical description of the incident with respect to the gaseous emissions, geological conditions, ventilation status and any prior similar occurrences; Identify and document the technical experts engaged by Solid Unit Mining Company; Determination the type(s) of mineral(s) mined under M11810, the means of transportation of mineral products; Examine the compliance status of the company with statutory royalty payments and other financial obligations to government; Assess and recommend practical measures to improve the security situations within the Wase/ Zurak axis to enable effective regulatory oversight safe mining operations; Develop a draft policy framework; Propose modalities for improved financial mechanisms. Review the relationship between the company and host community;Assess compliance with environmental obligations and recommend corrective, preventive and institutional reforms.
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