Stakeholders in the solid minerals sector have called for stronger collaboration between government, mining companies and host communities to ensure safer practices and protect vulnerable populations.

They made the call on Wednesday during a meeting between the Federation of Nigeria Mining Host Communities and the Ebonyi Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chidi Onyia.

The stakeholders also stressed the need for the state government to set up a small committee to develop a framework and funding model for a workshop.

They noted that sensitisation was critical to reducing accidents and disputes, adding that NGOs existed to complement and not oppose the government.

Francis Orji, former commissioner for solid minerals and state coordinator of FNMHC, said host communities bore the greatest risks in mining but remained the least empowered.

According to him, the only illiterates in this business are the host communities; the miners are rich, the government is rich, but the communities remain the poorest and most vulnerable.

”If their interests are not protected, their vulnerability will escalate and even threaten government stability,” he stated.

He commended the ministry for site visits and dispute resolutions but urged wider publicity to build trust and awareness.

Mr Orji also expressed concern over illegal operations at sealed pits and stressed stricter monitoring to prevent accidents.

In the same vein, Kelechi Okezie, South-East zonal coordinator of FNMHC, referenced the recent tragedy at the Ajirija mining site in Ihietutu, where a pit collapse claimed two lives.

He lauded the ministry and the Federal Mines Office for sealing the site but warned against unauthorised activity in spite of the closure.

”When an area is sealed, it should remain sealed. Effective monitoring is necessary because prolonged closure without resolution can cause unrest in host communities,” Mr Okezie said.

He advocated for a stakeholders’ conference where mining companies, host communities and governments could share experiences and adopt best practices.

Mr Onyia pledged to engage the FMO on reports of illegal activity at the Ajirija site, warning that the government would not condone violations.

”Anybody working in a sealed site is violating our order. The government is not in support of illegal mining, whether they are our people or not; we will enforce the law fully,” he said.

The commissioner explained that while the government supported artisanal miners under certain conditions, such arrangements do not override lease rights or the need for order in mining areas.

On FNMHC’s request for support to host a workshop for miners, communities and stakeholders, Mr Onyia said the ministry had no budgetary provision but welcomed discussions on joint funding with operators.

”This project will require funds beyond what the ministry can provide alone. Quarry operators and other stakeholders who have the capacity should support such an initiative,” he said.

Disputes in the Amaeze community in Ishiagu and other host areas were addressed during the meeting.

Stakeholders agreed that multi-agency collaboration involving security agencies, the FMO, NGOs and the ministry was vital for lasting solutions.

(NAN)