The Ebonyi State Government has urged mining investors operating in the state to protect the rights of host communities and improve their social responsibilities.
Governor Francis Nwifuru made the call on Saturday in Abakaliki at a one-day conference tagged, “Solid Minerals in Ebonyi: the Government and the people.”
Nwifuru, who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Business Development, Mr Oguzor Ofia-Nwali, said the state government remained committed to harnessing its mineral resources for development.
He urged the mining investors to operate in line with established policies and ensure that host communities benefit from the Community Development Agreement (CDA).
Mr Chidi Onyia, state Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development said the conference was in collaboration with the Ebonyi State university (EBSU) and lke-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 remained one of the states endowed with various solid minerals, exploiting in large quantities.
The Commissioner listed some of the minerals deposit in the state to include: Brine (salt), granite, lead ore (galena), sand, limestone, barites, marble stones, gypsum amoung others.
He expressed worry over the state of human rights abuses in the sector such as land and water pollution, which usually manifested in land grabbing, environmental degradation among others.
“We are worried the way activities of mining companies had polluted the environment, taken away sources of livelihood from indigenous people and adversely affected their health,” Onyia added.
On success so far in the sector, the Commissioner said, under the present administration, “People’s Charter of Needs” agenda of Nwifuru, the Ministry has achieved remarkable progress, such as the acquisition of strategic mineral licenses.
“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.
Mr Donald Nnadi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dolf Global Resources said, there was need to avoid indiscriminate mining in the state and adhere strictly to CDA.
“It is good that we work in accordance with the state government to protect the human and environmental right of the host communities.
“Mining activities can pose environmental and health challenges. The people suffer danger of lead poisoning as a result of effluent leak 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.
Mrs Sylvia Ogbuinya, President, Women in Mining in the state hailed the organisers of the conference and urged its members to obey mining rules, in order to protect the environment.
