Zurak Mine Gas Poisoning: FG Sets Up Probe Panel, Suspends Firm Over Safety Breach

The federal government has inaugurated a high-level investigative committee to examine the Zurak mine gas poisoning incident in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, which left at least 37 people dead and more than 20 others hospitalised.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Henry Dele Alake, who inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Tuesday, described the incident as “painful” and a wake-up call for stricter enforcement of safety standards within Nigeria’s mining sector. The inauguration was carried out on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr Faruk Yusuf Yabo.

The tragedy occurred on 18 February 2026 at a mining site operated by Solid Unit Mining Company Limited in Zurak, Wase LGA. Preliminary reports suggest the incident may have been caused by a combination of poor safety compliance, weak regulatory oversight, and alleged negligence by both the operator and local actors involved in activities at the site.

Dr Alake noted that the incident was unusual compared to typical mining accidents such as pit collapses or landslides, stressing the need for a comprehensive technical investigation to determine both the immediate and underlying causes.

He announced the immediate suspension of mining operations by Solid Unit Mining Company Limited at ML 11810 and any related sites, pending the outcome of the investigation.

According to him, the measure is not punitive but an administrative and safety step aimed at protecting lives and restoring public confidence.

The committee has been mandated to carry out a detailed technical and regulatory review of the incident, including possible gas emissions, geological conditions, compliance with environmental standards, royalty payments, community relations, and the role of technical operators at the site. It is also expected to recommend reforms to prevent future occurrences and strengthen safety oversight in the sector.

Members are to submit their report within 21 days.

Situating the intervention within the Federal Government’s broader mining sector reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr Alake reiterated the administration’s commitment to transforming the solid minerals sector into a safe, transparent and investor-friendly industry.

He said the government had already strengthened regulatory oversight through inspectorate reforms, environmental compliance mechanisms and the deployment of mines marshals to enhance accountability across the sector.

Alake warned that no economic gain could justify avoidable loss of lives, adding that repeated safety lapses could erode investor confidence in Nigeria’s mining industry.

The committee was also directed to examine community relations, environmental compliance documents, and the practice of partial lease ceding to local actors, while recommending appropriate policy safeguards.

He urged the panel to produce a credible and actionable report that would serve as a blueprint for safer mining operations nationwide, assuring that the government would fully implement its recommendations.

“Government will not allow this report to gather dust,” he said, adding that decisive action would follow its submission.

He further called on mining operators across the country to deepen engagement with host communities and treat Community Development Agreements as binding social commitments rather than mere formalities.

The committee is expected to commence work immediately and conclude its assignment within the stipulated three-week timeframe.