From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State government has urged mining investors in the state to protect the rights of host communities.
The government also urged the investors to improve their social responsibilities.
Governor Francis Nwifuru made the call in Abakaliki, the state capital, during a one-day conference tagged “Solid Minerals in Ebonyi: The Government and the People”.
Nwifuru, represented by Oguzor Offia-Nwali, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Business Development, noted that the state government was committed to harnessing its various mineral resources in the state.
He urged the mining investors to operate with the guiding policies of the business and ensure that the host communities enjoy the Community Development Agreement (CDA).
“Solid minerals remain one of the keys for sustainable development. I believe that ours will continue to remain a blessing to us and not a curse,” the Governor said.
Chidi Onyia, state Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, said the conference was in collaboration with Ebonyi State University (EBSU) and Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.
Onyia noted that the programme was to reflect on the significant strides made in repositioning the solid minerals sector in the state.
He said that Ebonyi remains one of the states endowed with various solid minerals, exploited in large quantities.
The Commissioner listed some of the mineral deposits in the state to include brine (salt), granite, lead ore (galena), sand, limestone, barites, marble stones, gypsum, among others.
He expressed worry over the human rights abuses in the sector, such as land and water pollution, which usually manifest in land grabbing and environmental degradation, among others.
“We are worried the way activities of mining companies have polluted the environment, taken away sources of livelihood from indigenous people, and adversely affected their health,” Onyia added.
On successes so far in the sector, the Commissioner said under the present administration, the Ministry has achieved remarkable progress, such as the acquisition of strategic mineral licences.
“We have resolved over 100 disputes between mining companies and host communities – restoring trust, ensuring peace, and securing operational stability across critical mining zones.
“We have strengthened monitoring and enforcement to curb illegal mining activities and ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards,” the Commissioner added.
Donald Nnadi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dolf Global Resources, said there was a need to avoid indiscriminate mining in the state and adhere strictly to the CDA.
“It is good that we work in accordance with the state government to protect the human and environmental rights of the host communities.
“Mining activities can pose environmental and health challenges. The people suffer the danger of lead poisoning as a result of effluent leaks into the environment.
“This causes serious health complications which can damage various organs and systems in the body, including the brain and nervous system, the blood and cardiovascular system, as well as the kidneys,” he added.