Uyo, Aug. 29, 2023: The Akwa Ibom Government says it has closed Chinese company (Ruitai Mining Company) in Ibeno Local Government Area of the state for inability to produce authorised license for mining operations in the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Chief Uno Etim Eno, on Tuesday in Uyo said the Chinese firm could not provide necessary documents that authorised them to do mining of 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.
He added that during inspection, it was discovered that the firm could not produce Mining License and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report to show impact of their operations in their host community.
“The Joint Ministerial Inspection Team included the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Iquo Abia, on arrival at Ibeno community, were conducted round the mining site by the Chairman of Ibeno local government area, High Chief Williams Mkpa.
“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,” Uno said
Uno said 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 management was directed to approach the state Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources for necessary Documentations before Sept. or face prosecution.
Uno said that though the company 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 legitimizing its operations is completed with the State Government, ” he said?
The commissioner urged residents of the state to stop dumping of refuse in gutters and desilt drainages to avoid flooding during this raining season.
