Ebonyi warns mining companies against under-aged, pregnant workers

From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State government has warned mining companies in the state against engaging under-aged and pregnant women as workers.

The Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Magnus Nkah, gave the warning during the inspection tour of some mining companies in the Ivo Local Government Area of the state.

He urged mining companies to  provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers and ensure proper reclamation of pits before abandonment after mining, threatening that violators would be sanctioned in accordance with the law.

Nkah further urged the companies operating in the state to comply strictly with mining regulations, environmental standards, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations or face sanctions.

He said the visit was aimed at assessing their operations and level of compliance with government regulations, despite being delayed by other official engagements. He disclosed that the inspection focused on operators’ tax compliance, validity of licences, environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports, and adherence to international best practices in mineral exploration.

“We are here to acquaint ourselves with your operations and determine the extent of your compliance with the law. We want to know whether your licences and operational documents are up to date, whether you are meeting your tax obligations, and whether your environmental impact assessments comply with international best practices,” he said.

Nkah disclosed that the ministry would soon inaugurate a task force to monitor mining activities across the state, including night operations, to ensure compliance with the Nigerian Mining Act 2007 and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations 2011. He also directed all operators to submit their operational documents, community development agreements, annual mining plans, mine closure plans, and environmental reports to the ministry for verification.

Responding on behalf of Arab Contractors, the firm’s administrative head, Mr. Tamuno, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance, prompt payment of government revenues and fulfilment of its CSR obligations, while seeking an extension until the following Tuesday or Wednesday to submit the requested documents.

Also, the Site Manager of Zotmann Company, Patrick Eziokwu, said the company operates in line with established mining standards, maintains qualified geologists on site, and has all its statutory operational documents up to date.