The Ebonyi government has announced plans to enforce compliance on mining regulations in the state, warning that the era of weak regulatory oversight in Ebonyi’s mining sector is over.

The State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Magnus Nkah, disclosed this on Wednesday during a familiarisation tour on quarry and mining sites in Ishielu and Ohaukwu Local Government Areas of the state.

The tour was geared towards checking the operations of mining companies, evaluating their compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and also examining their relationships with host communities.

Mr Nkah warned the operators in the state that the government would no longer tolerate environmental degradation, poor community relations or revenue leakages.

The commissioner stressed that every mining company in the state would henceforth be required to close mining pits before vacating any operational site.

Mr Nkah described abandoned pits as environmental hazards responsible for avoidable accidents and loss of lives.

He also expressed concern over the poor welfare conditions of workers in some of the mining firms visited during the inspection.

“The welfare of workers is equally important because these workers are our people. Many companies have not paid sufficient attention to their welfare,” he stated.

Mr Nkah said that the government observed that safety standards in some operational sites were grossly inadequate and must be significantly improved.

He noted that the community development agreements executed by some mining firms, particularly with respect to scholarship provisions and delays in implementing agreed community development projects, were inadequate.

The commissioner said that the ministry would soon issue compliance templates and deadlines to mining operators, while a special task force would be established to monitor operations, enforce regulatory compliance and eliminate revenue leakages within the sector.

Mr Nkah further warned that the transportation of mineral resources at night remained illegal, stressing that the government would intensify enforcement against violators.

He advised companies to strengthen the structural integrity of their operational facilities and enhance workplace safety measures to prevent avoidable accidents.

On his part, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Samuel Nkwede, said that the familiarisation tour was in line with Governor Francis Nwifuru’s commitment to promoting responsible, sustainable and environmentally friendly exploitation of Ebonyi’s abundant mineral resources.

The commissioner assured stakeholders that the ministry would continue to engage mining operators and host communities to ensure that mining activities contributed meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the state without compromising environmental sustainability, public safety or the welfare of citizens.

The companies visited during the inspection included Gemrock Quarry Investment Limited, Sheny Long Mining Company, Woda Quarry Site, Top-Trust Quarry Site, Ideke Engineering Limited, and Master-Rock Quarry, among others.

(NAN)