The Amankalu Community in Oshiri, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has stopped Dolf Metal Mining Company Limited from carrying out mining operations at its sites, citing alleged non-compliance with a Community Development Agreement (CDA).
Amankalu is one of the mineral-rich communities in Ebonyi, with deposits of zinc and lead. Dolf Metal Mining Company holds the mining title covering the minerals in the community.
The dispute has now been brought before the Ebonyi State Government, with the Amankalu General Union (AGU) urging the authorities to intervene before tensions escalate.
Community Seeks Government Intervention
In a letter addressed to the Ebonyi Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Chinedum Nkah, the union called for an immediate suspension of the company’s mining activities.
The letter was signed by AGU President-General, Supol Peter Igwe (rtd.), and Secretary-General, Rev. Chikaodiri Ugbala.
The union alleged that the company had continued mining despite failing to meet obligations contained in the CDA reached with the community.
According to AGU, prolonged inaction could heighten tensions and potentially lead to a breakdown of law and order.
The union said its leadership had repeatedly appealed to youths and other community stakeholders to remain peaceful, but warned that frustration was increasing.
“The patience of the people is rapidly diminishing,” the union said, urging the state government to intervene before the situation deteriorates.
AGU Cites Mining Law
The community based its demand on the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, particularly Section 116, which provides for Community Development Agreements between mining lease holders and host communities.
AGU also cited the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011, arguing that mining operators are required to implement agreed community development programmes and maintain engagement with their host communities.
The union said enforcing those obligations would help address the grievances surrounding the mining operations.
It warned that continued mining without what it described as corresponding compliance with the CDA had created growing resentment and tension in Amankalu.
Union Moves Against Former Leader
The dispute has also triggered an internal move by the community union against its former leader, Barrister David Ngwee.
In a separate letter, AGU announced Ngwee’s suspension for one year and demanded the immediate handover of union properties allegedly in his possession.
The union also requested a comprehensive account of benefits and royalties accruing to the community from Dolf Metal Mining Company during Ngwee’s tenure.
The development adds another layer to the dispute, with the community seeking greater transparency over the financial benefits associated with mining activities in Amankalu.
For now, the central issue remains the community’s demand that mining operations comply with the terms of the CDA and that the relevant authorities step in to prevent the dispute from escalating.