By Oluwatosin Maliki
The Enugu State Government has taken a major step in tackling the illegal activities of miners by sealing of it’s mining sites, especially those without environmental impact certifications and mitigation plans.
Recall, that the previous administration, under Governor Peter Mbah had in June banned illegal mining activities in the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu, inspected the mining site in Awhum in Udi Local Government Area of the state, afterwards he briefed reporters, stating that various infringements ranging form environmental degradation to blasting without approval and due regulations, non-remittance of staff tax to the State government despite deducting same from the staff, as well as non-remittance of pension contributions to the pension scheme despite deducting same from the staff, among others, were discovered, in addition he noted that the government would not fold its hands and watch the environment destroyed and lives engendered.
Furthermore, Prof. Sam gave a stern warning that any firm that unseals and continues operation without official approval from the government will be immediately arrested and prosecuted in the State Environmental Protection Court.
The Commissioner said, “We are here basically to look at what is going on here and to seal the place on behalf of the Enugu State government. You have all seen what is going on here, you have seen extensive mining activities going on here with a lot of environmental degradation in the state”.
“We want to see the veracity of the licence which they claim they have and we have given them a letter inviting them to a meeting. We also want to find out how the have been remitting environmental fees to the Enugu State Ministry of Environment”.
“We also want to find out the mitigating plans they have. The state government is aware of other mining sites, we know them in different local governments, we know the sites, gradually and we are going to get all of them. Our mission here gives signs to other mining activities that don’t have any recourse to the state government that we are coming to see them.”
“Enugu powered the industries of Europe and beyond at some point through this same coal. Today, our environment is still bearing the scars and brunt of those mining activities. So, we will not fold our hands and watch that happen all over again,” he said.
He faulted the claim by the operators of the mine that they started mining activities at the site in 2022, saying “from all indications, this site has been in operation for more than five years”.
He said government was very much aware of other mining sites in different parts of the State operating illegally and without license or running foul of environmental protection laws and regulations, assuring that “government is coming after all of them”.
The Committee also served a notice on African Pits and Quarries Ltd to stop operations immediately and report to the Government House on Thursday.
“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”.
“Your failure to comply strictly as directed above may lead to your arrest and prosecution in the State Environmental Protection Court”.
“You are therefore required, as a matter of urgency, to furnish this office with comprehensive list of the following: Approval license from the Nigeria mining cadastral office, evidence of notification letter to Enugu State Ministry of Environment before commencement of operations, evidence of payment for ecological control permit from the Ministry, evidence of payment of environmental remedial fee, approval license from both the Federal of Mines and Federal Ministry of Environment for Environmental Impact Assessment certification, evidence of acknowledgement/consent letter from Enugu State Ministry of Environment, and evidence of environmental remediation plans to address in a systemic manner all issues that may arise from any prospective mining activities or ongoing in the state”.
Meanwhile, the General Manager in charge of operations at the Awhum site, Akintola Oluwafemi, while assuring that the company would comply with government directives, however, said the firm obtained all necessary licenses from the Federal Government and was also mindful of environment in its operations.
On the government team were other members of the Committee, namely, Kingsley Nnaji, Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy and Mineral Resources; Frank Anioma, Special Adviser on Political Matters; and Uche Anichukwu, Senior Special Assistant on External Relations.
Meanwhile, enforcement of the Governor’s directives continues with visits to other sites.