The Ebonyi State Government has announced stricter regulations for quarry and mining companies, warning operators to comply with environmental, safety and community development obligations or face sanctions.
Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Chinedum Nkah, disclosed this after a strategic meeting with quarry operators and stakeholders, stating that the state will begin unannounced inspections of mining sites from next week to enforce compliance.
He said the government is committed to protecting host communities, preserving the environment and blocking revenue leakages in the solid minerals sector.
The commissioner expressed concern over the increasing number of abandoned mining pits across the state, directing all operators to submit practical pit recovery plans and begin reclaiming abandoned sites within two months or risk having their operations sealed.
Nkah also ordered mining companies to fully implement their Community Development Agreements, accusing some operators of failing to meet their obligations to host communities.
He further directed companies to submit updated Environmental Impact Assessment reports, citing the expansion of blasting activities into residential areas, while condemning the use of unsafe vehicles to transport quarry workers.
As part of efforts to boost internally generated revenue and improve monitoring, the government ordered all operators to present valid operational permits and warned against the unauthorised movement of minerals at night. He disclosed that a specialised task force would be established to enforce compliance across mining sites.
On the Amokwe community dispute, the commissioner revealed that the government had facilitated a resolution between residents and the affected mining company. He said the company has accepted responsibility for damages caused by blasting activities and has agreed to rebuild affected homes and increase employment opportunities for members of the host community.
Nkah reaffirmed that while Ebonyi remains open to investment, mining activities must be conducted responsibly, with due regard for environmental sustainability, public safety and the welfare of host communities.
