Ebonyi Seals Four Mining Companies For Non-Compliance

The Ebonyi State government, on Wednesday, sealed four mining companies for failing to comply with the Community Development Agreement (CDA) requirements of the state.

The government’s team, led by the Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Chidi Onyia, said the companies neglected the agreement that requires mining companies to contribute to the growth and well-being of local communities affected by their operations.

“The companies were given enough time, since July last year, to meet the CDA requirements but chose to ignore the rules,” Onyia stated during a joint task force operation.

The affected companies include Anli Mining and Investment Ltd, China Solid Rock 1 and 2, located in Ngodo Amachi, Afikpo Local Government Area, and Shenglong Mining, situated at Eziulo in the Ishielu Council area.

It was reported that at least ten workers were laid off by China Solid Rock 2, contrary to CDA’s objective of uplifting host communities.

Onyia further said, “Ebonyi people are being treated like they have no value. The Mining Act clearly states that every miner must prepare a CDA to benefit and uplift the community wherein they operate. But most mining companies in Ebonyi State have ignored this. This is against the dictates of the state and we won’t take anymore.

“The land belongs to the people. And even though these companies have leases from the Federal Government, they must ensure the communities benefit from their operations.”

“The agreement Shenglong provided is fraudulent. There are clear procedures and templates for developing a CDA. How can a company of this size justify that the community’s only benefit is one million naira annually?” he questioned, adding “We have companies here in Ebonyi that are constructing tarred roads for their host communities. Why is Shenglong different?”

Onyia stressed that while the companies may have leased from the Federal Government, they are obligated to ensure that the communities benefit from their activities.

He warned that the sites would remain closed until the companies comply fully with the agreement, adding that the government will continue to monitor mining operations across Ebonyi State closely.

Reacting to the development, the General Manager of Anli Mining and Investment Ltd, Mr. George Li, expressed his willingness to collaborate with the state government to resolve the issues.

Ebonyi Seals Four Mining Companies For Non-Compliance is first published on The Whistler Newspaper