Amankalu Community in Oshiri, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has stopped a mining company, Dolf Metal Mining Company, from operating in its mining sites.
Amankalu is one of Ebonyi’s community that is rich in zinc and lead, and Dolf Metal Mining Company holds the mining title for the minerals in the community.
But Amankalu General Union (AGU), the umbrella body for Amankalu Community, in a letter to the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Hon. Chinedum Nkah, which was signed by its President General and Secretary General, Supol Peter Igwe (rtd) and Rev Chikaodiri Ugbala respectively.
The union called on the state government to prevail on the company to cease mining activities in the community, saying that continuing may lead to a breakdown of law and order and that youths of the community may resort to self help,considering the wanning patients of members of the community.
In another letter, the union suspended its former President General, Barr. David Ngwee, urging a full account of all benefits accruing from Dolf Metal Mining Company Limited to the community.
The union’s letter to the Commissioner for Solid Mineral read in part: “AGU urges your ministry to urgently intervene and compel Dolf Metal Mining Company to suspend all mining activities in our community for its persistent refusal to comply with the Community Development Agreement (CDA) entered into with the Amankalu Community.
“The Community Development Agreement was executed in accordance with Section 116 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, which makes it mandatory for mining lease holders to enter into and implement Community Development Agreements with their host communities.
“The obligations imposed by the Act are further strengthened by the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011, which require mining operators to faithfully implement the agreed community development programmes and maintain continuous engagement with host communities.
“The continued mining activities of Dolf Metal Mining Company without corresponding compliance with the Community Development Agreement have generated widespread frustration, resentment and tension within the community.
“The leadership of Amankalu General Union has consistently appealed to the youths and other stakeholders to remain peaceful and law-abiding. However, we must respectfully inform your ministry that the patience of the people is rapidly diminishing.
“Unless urgent regulatory intervention is taken, there exists a genuine likelihood of a breakdown of law and order, a situation that could have been avoided through timely enforcement of the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007,” the union stated.
In a separate letter, the group suspended its former secretary, Barr David Ngwee for one year, calling for a handover of all its properties with him and a full account of royalties to the community by Dolf Metal Mining Company Limited paid under his leadership.
David-Chyddy Eleke
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