By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
Governor Francis Nwifuru yesterday bemoaned over the activities of the miners in Ebonyi, saying that they have begun operating contrary to the Federal mining Act.
He however, declared that his administration would no longer tolerate non- remittance of royalties and other levies generated from solid minerals by the miners operating in Ebonyi State to the appropriate account.
Nwifuru attributed the dwindling revenue accruing to the State from the federation account to the failure of solid mineral operators to remit royalties to the Federal government.
The Governor, who made this known when he received officials of the Consolidated Lead and Zinc Miners Association in his office, said this remains one of the indices in the Federal allocation formula.
“It is unfortunate that most of you are in the habit of not remitting necessary levies to both the government and host communities and this action is inimical to our progress as a State.
“Most of you smuggle our minerals out of the State around 2 am just to escape payment of necessary levies and that has to stop because no matter what time, we must intercept you this time around and you will face the full wrath of the law”, he said.
The Governor directed Miners across the State to always close mining pits after exploration to prevent loss of lives.
“You are under obligation to cover your Mining pits after exploration. We have incidences where our people lost their lives. To me, it is negligence on the part of the Miners. Recall that our youth Leader lost his life in one of the Mining pits along Ikwo road and it was a painful experience for all of us.
The Governor pledged to provide a conducive environment for Mining operations in the State.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr Merit Nwachukwu said they were interested in forming synergy with the state government in order to attract investors.
“With the protection and cooperation of the State, we are looking forward to making Ebonyi an investment destination. There will be Job creation. There are some challenges but with the energy we have seen in you we are courageous to push forward”, he added.
