By Palma Ileye
The Federal Government has inaugurated a high-level investigation panel to probe the gas poisoning incident at a mining site in Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, which claimed 37 lives and left more than 20 others hospitalised.
The panel was inaugurated on Tuesday by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, at the ministry’s conference room in Abuja.
The tragic Plateau mine gas incident occurred on February 18, 2026, at a site operated by Solid Unit Mining Company Limited. The Federal Government described the incident as a rare but serious safety breach in Nigeria’s mining sector.
Alake announced the immediate suspension of operations by Solid Unit Mining Company Limited at ML 11810 and any associated sites, pending the outcome of the investigation and approval of the committee’s recommendations.
He stressed that the suspension was an administrative safety measure, not merely punitive, aimed at preventing further loss of lives while investigations are ongoing.
According to preliminary assessments cited by the Minister, the incident may be linked to a combination of factors including poor health and safety compliance at the mining site, weak regulatory enforcement, and operational lapses involving both the company and community actors working within portions of the leased area.
The committee was tasked with conducting a comprehensive technical and regulatory investigation into the incident.
Its responsibilities include examining gaseous emissions, geological and ventilation conditions, operational compliance, environmental safeguards, financial obligations, community relations, and regulatory oversight gaps.
It is also expected to propose reforms to strengthen safety standards, improve regulatory monitoring, and prevent future occurrences in Nigeria’s mining sector.
The Solid Minerals Minister linked the intervention to the broader objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises safe, transparent, and investor-friendly development of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
