In a step aimed at curbing illegal mining activities within its borders, the Enugu State Government commenced the sealing of illegal mining sites and those lacking necessary environmental impact certifications and mitigation plans.
Governor Peter Mbah's administration had previously banned illegal mining activities in the state in June and recently established the Enugu State Committee on Mining Activities to combat this issue.
Led by its Chairman, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu, the Committee undertook a thorough inspection of a mining site in Awhum, Udi Local Government Area, owned by Milhouse Ltd.
Following the inspection, Prof. Ugwu addressed the press, highlighting several infringements discovered at the site, including environmental degradation, unapproved blasting, non-remittance of staff taxes, and failure to contribute to the pension scheme. Prof. Ugwu emphasized that the government would not stand idly by while the environment deteriorated and lives were endangered.
"Our mission is basically to seal, on behalf of the state government, mining activities that do not have any recourse to the state government. We are also here to look at what is going on, and you have all seen a lot of environmental degradation going on," Prof. Ugwu stated.
He stressed the importance of assessing the validity of mining licenses, monitoring the remittance of environmental fees, and ensuring that mitigating plans were in place for the benefit of host communities.
Prof. Ugwu refuted claims by the mine operators that they began operations in 2022, asserting that the site had been operational for more than five years. He warned that the government would take similar actions against other illegal mining sites across the state.
The Committee also issued a notice to African Pits and Quarries Ltd, instructing them to cease operations immediately and report to the Government House on Thursday.
The notice stated, "Sequel to the directive of the Governor of Enugu State banning illegal mining activities in the state, you are hereby warned to desist and stop all mining activities in this environment."
Failure to comply may lead to arrest and prosecution in the state Environmental Protection Court.
Meanwhile, the General Manager of the Awhum site, Akintola Oluwafemi, pledged the company's compliance with government directives, asserting that they had obtained all necessary licenses from the Federal Government and were environmentally conscious in their operations.
The government's enforcement efforts will continue with visits to other mining sites across the state.
