Ebonyi's Amankalu Community Blocks Mining Operations Amidst Broken Development Pact

Operations of Dolf Metal Mining Company within its designated sites have been brought to a standstill by the Amankalu Community, situated in Oshiri, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. This community, known for its abundant zinc and lead deposits, is where Dolf Metal Mining holds the official title for mineral extraction.

The Amankalu General Union (AGU), serving as the community's primary representative body, formally communicated its concerns to the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Hon. Chinedum Nkah. In a letter endorsed by the President General, Supol Peter Igwe (rtd), and Secretary General, Rev Chikaodiri Ugbala, the union appealed to the state government to compel the company to halt all mining activities. They warned that continued operations could escalate into a breakdown of public order, with community youths potentially taking matters into their own hands due to dwindling patience among residents.

Separately, the AGU also announced the one-year suspension of its erstwhile President General, Barr. David Ngwee. The union demanded a comprehensive accounting of all community benefits received from Dolf Metal Mining Company Limited during his tenure.

The communication addressed to the Solid Minerals Commissioner partly stated: “AGU urges your ministry to urgently intervene and compel Dolf Metal Mining Company to suspend all mining activities in our community for its persistent refusal to comply with the Community Development Agreement (CDA) entered into with the Amankalu Community.” The union further highlighted that this CDA was established under Section 116 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, which mandates mining lease holders to execute and uphold such agreements with their host communities. Additionally, the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011, reinforce these obligations, requiring operators to diligently implement agreed community development initiatives and maintain ongoing dialogue. The union expressed that "The continued mining activities of Dolf Metal Mining Company without corresponding compliance with the Community Development Agreement have generated widespread frustration, resentment and tension within the community." They added, “The leadership of Amankalu General Union has consistently appealed to the youths and other stakeholders to remain peaceful and law-abiding. However, we must respectfully inform your ministry that the patience of the people is rapidly diminishing.” The letter concluded with a stark warning: “Unless urgent regulatory intervention is taken, there exists a genuine likelihood of a breakdown of law and order, a situation that could have been avoided through timely enforcement of the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.”

In a related development, the union also issued a one-year suspension to its immediate past President General, Barr. David Ngwee. This decision included a directive for him to hand over all union properties in his possession and provide a complete financial record of all royalties paid by Dolf Metal Mining Company Limited to the community during his time in office.