The Federal Government has suspended Solid Unit Mining Company Limited from mining operations, for the Zurak Mine Gas Poisoning incident that claimed 37 lives and hospitalized 20 victims in Plateau State.
It had occurred on the company's site at Zurak in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State on the 18th of February, 2026.
The Minister of Solid Minarals Development, Dr Dele Alake, announced the suspension on Wednesday while Inaugurating 18-man committee to investigate the incident.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, the Minister gave the committee 21 days from the date of inauguration to submit its report.
According to him, the suspension of the company will remain effective till the committee submits its report and its recommendations are accepted.
He said "In view of the seriousness of this incident, therefore and the need to safeguard lives and preserve the integrity of the investigation, I wish to formally restate that Solid Unit Mining Company Limited has been placed on immediate suspension from all mining operations at ML 11810 and any other associated site, pending the conclusion of this investigation and the acceptance of the Committee's recommendations by the Ministry.
"This is not a punitive measure in the narrow sense, but an administrative and safety imperative. The company shall remain under suspension until this Ministry is fully satisfied that operations can resume safely and in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations."
He said that the committee inauguration is firmly within the broader context of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which one of its cardinal pillars aims to transform Nigeria's minerals and mining sector into a world-class, investor-friendly and safe industry.
President Tinubu, the Minister recalled, has consistently emphasised that the exploitation of Nigeria's vast mineral resources must proceed in a manner that protects the lives, health, and livelihoods of Nigerians, particularly those in host communities.
"He upholds the highest international standards of mining governance. Since the inception of this administration, the Ministry has taken significant strides in this direction.
"We have intensified regulatory oversight through the Mines Inspectorate Department, Mines Environmental Compliance Department and the establishment of the Mines Marshal; we have deepened engagements with mining communities to build trust and create inclusive frameworks for mineral resource governance; we have invested in capacity-building for safety officers and mines inspectors; and we have pursued legislative and policy reforms aimed at entrenching a culture of safety and accountability across the sector."
The establishment of the Committee, he pointed out, is not an isolated response to a crisis, but a demonstration of the government's zero tolerance for negligence and its commitment to deepening the culture of safety and responsibility in mining.
"We recognise that a vibrant mining sector is critical to diversifying Nigeria's economy, creating jobs, and attracting domestic and foreign investment. However, we are resolute in our position that no amount of economic benefit can justify the avoidable loss of Nigerian lives.
"A sector plagued by preventable accidents is not attractive to serious investors; it is, in fact, a liability. This Committee, through its work, will help us close the gaps that make such tragedies possible and, in so doing, help build an industry that investors can trust and communities can embrace." he stated
Calling on the committee to uphold transparency in the assignment, the Minister tasked it to comprehensively examine all relevant aspects, and make clear recommendations that will forestall future occurrence.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Solid Minarals Development ministry, Engr Faruk Yusuf Yabo in his welcome remarks, said the unfortunate incident claimed the lives youth trying to make a living through mining activities.
He said the incident is a painful reminder of the risks associated with mining activities and the urgent need to strengthen Security and safety standards across the sector.
The constitution of the committee, the Permanent Secretary said underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives, ensuring accountability, and promoting sustainable mining practices.
He was represented by Engr Frank Odoom, stating "Your task is both critical and timely: to thoroughly investigate not only the immediate causes of this incident but also the underlying and root factors that may have contributed to it.
"In carrying out this responsibility, the ToR for this assignment has been developed and approved, you are therefore expected to provide clear, evidence-based findings and actionable recommendations.
"These will be instrumental in preventing future occurrences, improving regulatory compliance, and reinforcing safety protocols within the mining industry." he added
He expressed confidence that the collective expertise and dedication of the Committee members will ensure that the assignment is delivered on its mandate with diligence, integrity, and a strong sense of duty to the nation.
Stressing that the lives lost must not be in vain, he said they should serve as a catalyst for lasting reforms in Plateau State and the Nigeria Mining sector as a whole.
The 18-man Committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Engr Faruk Yusuf Yabo and Co-chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development in Plateau State, Hon. Peter Gwom.
The terms of reference to the committee are:
i) Provide a detailed technical description of the incident, particularly with respect to gaseous emissions, geological conditions, ventilation status, and any prior similar occurrences within the lease area;
ii) Identify and document the technical experts engaged by Solid Unit Mining Company Limited in the mining arrangement and determine the level of their involvement in the supervision of operations;
iii) Determine the type(s) of mineral(s) mined under ML 11810, the means of transportation of mineral products, and identify the principal buyers and off-takers of the mineral products;
iv) Examine the compliance status of the Company with statutory royalty payments and other financial obligations to the Federal Government;
v) Assess and recommend practical measures to improve the security situation within the Wase/Zurak axis to enable effective regulatory oversight and safe mining operations;
vi) Develop a draft policy framework outlining conditions and justification under which partial land relinquishment or operational ceding to host communities may be permitted, including regulatory safeguards;
vii) Propose modalities for improved financing mechanisms to strengthen extension services, inspectorate functions, and technical departments for effective field monitoring and compliance;
viii) Review the relationship between the Company and the community, including any formal or informal agreements governing mining operations;
ix) Assess compliance with environmental obligations, including the Environmental Social Impact Assessment, Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Plan, Community Development Agreement, and all other statutory requirements; and
x) Recommend corrective, preventive, and institutional reforms necessary to forestall recurrence of similar incidents in the future.