Govt Halts Illegal Mining Operations In Imo

Federal controller,  Ministry of Environment in Imo State, Engr. Ubor Ubo, has  issued directive to all illegal mining operators to comply with the federal government’s order banning mining activities within a 10-kilometre radius of bridges, roads and critical infrastructure nationwide.

He stressed that the directive is in line with Section 119 of the Mining Act and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act 2024 (Cap 12), which makes it compulsory for miners to conduct an approved Environmental Impact Assessment and obtain certification from the Ministry of Environment before commencing any mining or evacuation activities.

Engr. Ubo highlighted that defaulters will face sanctions, including fines, penalties and forfeiture of equipment, adding that enforcement would be comprehensive and uncompromising.

He , however, expressed astonishment over the escalating environmental hazards and severe erosion caused by unregulated mining activities in the state and  announced  immediate shutdown beginning with mining sites in Umudoche, Umuoma, Nekede, and extending to other locations across the state and its vicinity.

Engr. Ubo made this known while  assessing and inspecting  Otamiri Umudoche in Nekede, Owerri west,  local government area, where he directed sand miners in the area to present valid mining papers and approved EIA certificates within seven days.

The Federal  Controller was accompanied on the inspection by the Umudoche Umuoma Nekede Council of Elders, community leaders and other stakeholders, who drew attention to the extensive damage to the ecosystem and community, as a result  of  illegal mining activities.

Engr. Ubo condemned sand mining within stream channels, warning that the culvert at Umuezerokam Nekede, linking the Umuoma, Umudibia and the ancient Nekede kingdom, is at high risk of collapse due to erosion pressure.

The Federal Controller advised that urgent remedial construction works be undertaken to prevent failure of the culvert, noting that dredging and mining activities had already contributed to erosion, the collapse of buildings and damage to property within the vicinity.

He revealed  that all miners operating in Umudoche, Umuoma Nekede and adjoining communities are currently illegal, as licences previously granted have been withdrawn by the Federal Government pending further scrutiny.

Engr. Ubo cautioned that mining must stop immediately, while  noting that operators would face the full weight of the law, adding that some licences had been revoked due to observed irregularities and unethical practices in mining activities.

He said, “Letters will be issued to all miners to shut down their sites and report to the Ministry of Environment for documentation, verification and compliance, especially on impact assessment approvals”.