The Akwa Ibom State Government has taken decisive action by shutting down an illegal mining operation run by the Chinese company Ruitai Mining Company. The mining company had been extracting titanium ore without the necessary operational license. The situation came to light when government officials intervened, demanding the production of essential documents.
Uno Eno, the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources in the state, provided insights during a press briefing held in Uyo. According to Mr. Eno, the Chinese mining firm failed to furnish authorization documents for its titanium ore mining activities in the Ibeno community of Akwa Ibom.
Reports indicate that the mining company had been conducting its operations discreetly in the area until authorities intervened and mandated the submission of relevant documentation. During the subsequent inspection, it was discovered that the firm lacked both a mining license and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, necessary to assess the impact of its activities on the local community.
A joint ministerial inspection team, including the Permanent Secretary Mrs. Iquo Abia, visited the Ibeno community. They were led through the mining site by High Chief Williams Mkpa, the Chairman of the Ibeno Local Government Area. Upon closer examination, the team identified black clay-like minerals, confirmed by miners to be titanium ore, contained in 50kg sacks.
Significantly, the Managing Director of the company, Zeng Zhonghuan, and Director Huang Ying were conspicuously absent from the site during the inspection. Despite tight security, the on-site staff members were unable to provide any pertinent information or documentation.
Uno Eno highlighted that investigations by the Ministry of Environment revealed that Ruitai Mining Company was purely an exploration entity. Additionally, all members of the board of directors were Chinese nationals who, it was found, did not meet the eligibility criteria for obtaining a small-scale mining license, as previously claimed.
Consequently, Mr. Uno Eno emphasized that the operations of Ruitai Mining Company must cease immediately until the necessary clearance is obtained from the state government to legitimize its activities. This move underscores the state’s commitment to upholding proper regulations and ensuring that mining operations are carried out with due diligence and compliance.
