Abakaliki, Nigeria – A Mining Consultant, Mr Dennis Igwe, has urged mining firms in the country to be alive to their social responsibilities to communities where they operate.
Igwe made call on Tuesday after an inspection of China Oriental Mining Nigerian Limited at Amaeze, Ishiagu community of Ivo Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi.
Igwe, who the Chief Engineering Consultant to the mining firm, said that such social responsibilities could enhance cordial relationships between mining firms and host communities.
“Mining firms should realise that they would depart the communities one day and their legacies would speak well or ill of them.”
He advised that apart from providing social amenities to host communities, emphasis should be placed on employment and imbibing of expertise.
“Mining companies should create employment for indigenes of host communities, especially their youths.
“They should impact expertise of their operations into the indigenes to live lasting impressions on departure.”
Igwe noted that the China Oriental Company has offered over 150 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs to indigenes of Ishiagu and Ebonyi in general.
“We have constructed several boreholes, drainages, reconstructed roads, rehabilitated schools, among others, in the area, since commencing operations in 2020.
“We also pay royalties quarterly to the host community and would continue fulfilling our obligations to the people.”
He noted that aside from natural challenges, the firm surmounted odds faced in its operations.
“We are having issues with sourcing raw materials caused by natural factors such as over-body.
“We are also grappling with the general harsh economic situation in the country which forced us to close operations sometime.
“We, however, reviewed the situation and re-commenced operations, bearing in mind the fate of workers who would be affected by the closure.”
Chief Ogbonna Nweni, Chairman of Amaeze community, said in an interview that China Oriental limited had been fulfilling its obligations despite the expiration of the contractual agreement.
“We, however, expect them to do more for the community, especially interventions not covered in the agreement.”
