The Ebonyi State Government has inaugurated a specialised Task Force on Solid Minerals Development to strengthen regulation, combat illegal mining and block revenue leakages in the state’s mineral-rich communities.
The task force, inaugurated by the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Development, will operate across the state’s three senatorial districts and monitor mining and quarrying activities.
Speaking at the inauguration, Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Development, Chinedum Nkah, described the solid minerals sector as a major pillar of Ebonyi’s economy, stressing the need for the state to derive greater economic and developmental benefits from its mineral resources.
Nkah acknowledged that mining licences are regulated by the Federal Government but maintained that the state has a responsibility to protect its environment, communities and residents from the negative effects of mining activities.
He particularly condemned the abandonment of dangerous excavation pits by mining operators without adequate remediation or fulfilment of their Community Development Agreements.
The commissioner warned mining operators against using federal licences as justification for violating state laws and regulations.
According to him, the newly inaugurated task force will monitor compliance with state laws, Community Development Agreements and other applicable regulations.
Among its responsibilities are monitoring the movement of mineral-bearing trucks at night, supervising after-hours rock crushing and inspecting mineral consignments to ensure that quantities transported correspond with official documentation.
The task force will also work to prevent the illegal exploitation of children and pregnant women in hazardous mining activities, intercept stolen minerals and ensure that licensed operators display valid identification and evidence of statutory revenue payments.
Nkah disclosed that task force members would undergo specialised training in collaboration with security agencies and would be provided with official uniforms and identification credentials to prevent impersonation.
He, however, warned the officers against abusing their positions or using the task force as a means of personal enrichment.
The commissioner stressed that major enforcement actions, including the sealing of mining companies, must receive authorisation from the ministry.
He assured that officers who misuse their official identification cards or engage in unauthorised activities would face prosecution.
The state government said the initiative forms part of its broader efforts to transform Ebonyi’s solid minerals sector into a well regulated and sustainable source of revenue, while protecting host communities and the environment.
