Dennis Udo-Udoma, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Government has closed a Chinese company in Ibeno local government area of the State for inability to produce authorized license for mining operations.
Speaking with journalists in Uyo the State Capital, on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Hon Uno Etim Eno said the Chinese firm could not provide necessary documents that authorised them to mine titanium Ore from Ibeno community .
Uno said illegal mining of titanium Ore by the Chinese firm was carried out in the area until the Ministry intercepted and ordered them to produce relevant documents or stop their operations with immediate effect.
The Commissioner explained that during inspection of the company’s site in Ibeno council area of the State, it was discovered that the firm known as Ruitai Mining company could not produce Mining License and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report to show impact of their operations in their host community.
“The team discovered black clay-like minerals contained in sack bags of 50kg which was identified by the miners as Titanium Ore.
“On critical examination of the site amidst tight security, the Managing Director and Director of the company, Zeng Zhonghuan and Huang Ying, were not available at the site. The available staff members could not provide any information or documents,” he said.
Uno stated that the Ministry of Environment in the State had discovered that Ruitai Mining Company, is purely an exploration company while the Board of Directors comprises only Chinese, who are not eligible to acquire the Small-scale Mining License as claimed.
He said the company’s management was directed to approach the State Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources for necessary Documentations before Friday 1st September, 2023 or face prosecution .
Uno said though the company’s staff were not arrested, they were ordered to close their shop and terminate illegal mining.
“Ruitai Mining Company should terminate its mining operations forthwith, until due clearance legitimising its operations is completed with the State Government.
“The Company should approach the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources (MEMR) on or before Friday, 1st September, 2023 with all the relevant papers authorising its operations, with full coordinate of the area approved for its mining operations.
“All security operatives should be withdrawn from the mining site, while the Divisional Police Officer of Ibeno council area, SP Victor Ezekwu, should enforce the directive in order to ensure strict compliance,” he said.
