The Ebonyi State Government has urged mining companies operating within its borders to uphold their corporate social responsibilities and respect the rights of host communities. The appeal was made during a one-day conference titled “Solid Minerals in Ebonyi: the Government and the People”, held in Abakaliki on Saturday.
Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented at the event by the Commissioner for Commerce and Business Development, Mr Oguzor Ofia-Nwali, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to fully harnessing its mineral wealth. He stressed the importance of aligning mining operations with existing policies and ensuring that affected communities benefit directly from Community Development Agreements (CDAs). Nwifuru emphasised that solid minerals should serve as a tool for sustainable development, expressing hope that the state’s resources would remain a blessing rather than become a burden.
The Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Mr Chidi Onyia, explained that the conference was jointly organised by the state government, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), and the Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation. He said the event provided a platform to assess progress in repositioning the state’s solid minerals sector. Onyia noted that Ebonyi is rich in a diverse range of solid minerals such as brine (salt), granite, lead ore (galena), sand, limestone, barites, marble, and gypsum—all of which are being extracted in large volumes.
However, Onyia raised alarm over continued human rights violations within the sector, citing environmental degradation and land encroachment. He lamented the devastating impact of unchecked mining activities on local livelihoods and health, warning that many communities have suffered due to pollution and unsafe practices.
He acknowledged progress made under Governor Nwifuru’s “People’s Charter of Needs” agenda, which has led to the acquisition of vital mineral licences and the resolution of over 100 disputes between mining companies and local communities. These efforts, he said, have helped restore trust and stability in key mining areas. Additionally, he noted that enforcement mechanisms have been strengthened to curb illegal mining and ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.
Mr Donald Nnadi, Chief Executive Officer of Dolf Global Resources, also addressed participants, stressing the importance of responsible mining practices and adherence to CDAs. He warned that improper waste disposal in mining operations could result in lead poisoning, with potentially severe effects on the brain, kidneys, and heart.
Mrs Sylvia Ogbuinya, president of the Women in Mining association in Ebonyi State, praised the initiative behind the conference and called on her colleagues in the industry to comply strictly with mining regulations to protect both the environment and local communities.