By Agnes Okafor-Igwe
The Ebonyi state government has urged mining investors to improve their social responsibilities and protect the rights of host communities.
Nwifuru gave the charge during a one-day conference, tagged, “Solid Minerals in Ebonyi: the Government and the People.”
He also urged the mining investors to operate within the guiding policies of the business and ensure that the host communities enjoy the Community Development Agreement (CDA).
The governor represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Business Development Chief Oguzor Offia-Nwali, noted that the state government is committed to harnessing its various mineral resources.
“Solid minerals remain one of the keys to sustainable development. I must believe that our own will continue to remain a blessing to us and not curse,” the Governor said
In his address, the state Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development Mr Chidi Onyia said the conference was in collaboration with the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) and the lke-Elechi Ogba Foundation, an NGO.
Onyia noted that the programme was to reflect on the significant strides made in repositioning the solid minerals sector in the state.
He added that Ebonyi remains one of the states endowed with various solid minerals, exploited in large quantities.
The Commissioner who listed some of the minerals deposits in the state including Brine (salt), granite, lead ore (galena), sand, limestone, barites, marble stones, and gypsum among others, expressed worry over the state of human rights abuses abound in the sector such as land and water pollution, usually manifests 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, the “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.
In his part, Mr Donald Nnadi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of Dolf Global Resources said, there was a need to avoid discriminant 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 rights 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
However, Mrs Sylvia Ogbuinya, President, of Women in Mining in the state hailed the organisers of the conference and urged its members to respect and obey mining rules, to protect the environment.