The Amankalu Community in Oshiri, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has suspended mining activities by Dolf Metal Mining Company Limited over alleged non-compliance with a Community Development Agreement (CDA).
Amankalu is one of the mineral-rich communities in Ebonyi State, with deposits of lead and zinc. Dolf Metal Mining Company Limited holds the mining title covering the mineral resources in the area.
The decision to halt the company’s operations was communicated by the Amankalu General Union (AGU), the community’s umbrella organisation, in a letter addressed to the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Chinedum Nkah.
The letter, signed by AGU President-General, Supol Peter Igwe (rtd.), and Secretary-General, Rev. Chikaodiri Ugbala, called on the Ebonyi State Government to intervene in the dispute and order the suspension of mining operations until the company complies with the terms of the agreement.
According to the community leadership, Dolf Metal Mining Company has allegedly failed to fulfil its obligations under the CDA, a situation it said has generated frustration and growing tension among residents.
The union warned that allowing mining activities to continue without resolving the issues could undermine peace and security in the community.
It particularly raised concerns about increasing dissatisfaction among youths, warning that failure to address the matter promptly could push some residents to take action on their own.
AGU said the Community Development Agreement was entered into in accordance with Section 116 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.
The provision requires holders of mining leases to enter into and implement development agreements with host communities.
The community union also referenced the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011, which provide for the implementation of agreed community development programmes and continued engagement between mining operators and host communities.
AGU therefore urged the Ebonyi State Government to enforce relevant provisions of Nigeria’s mining laws and facilitate a resolution of the dispute before it escalates.
In a separate development, the Amankalu General Union announced the one-year suspension of its former President-General, Barrister David Ngwee.
The union directed Ngwee to immediately hand over all community properties allegedly in his possession.
It also demanded an account of royalties and other benefits reportedly accruing to the Amankalu Community from Dolf Metal Mining Company during his tenure as president-general.
The community leadership maintained that its actions were intended to protect the interests of residents, preserve peace and ensure that the terms of the agreement between the mining company and the host community are honoured.
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