The Akwa Ibom State Government has shut down a Chinese mining company, Ruitai Mining Company, for failing to present an operation license. Chief Uno Etim Eno, the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, stated this during a press conference in Uyo.
He stated that the corporation was unable to present authorization documentation for titanium ore mining in the state’s Ibeno village.
He said that the company had been mining titanium ore surreptitiously in the area until being apprehended and required to present relevant documentation.
During an inspection, it was determined that the company was unable to present a mining license and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report to demonstrate the impact of its operations on the 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 sacks 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.
According to him, the Ministry of Environment determined that the company was solely an exploration company, with all of the Board of Directors being Chinese nationals who were not eligible to obtain the small-scale mining permit as reported.
“Ruitai mining company should immediately cease mining operations until due clearance legitimizing its operation with the state government is completed,” he said.
Comments