Stakeholders in the mining sector weekend advocated for the removal of mineral resources from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List, noting that such removal will present a healthy synergy between the state, the host community, and the investors.

They made the call during a one-day international conference themed “Solid Minerals in Ebonyi State: The Government and the People,” held at Ebonyi University, Abakaliki.

The international conference, a significant move towards enhancing the management and exploration of solid minerals in the state, was organised by the Ebonyi State Ministry of Solid Minerals in partnership with Ebonyi State University and the Ike Elechi Foundation that will focus on research, data management, and exploration of the state’s rich mineral resources.

They observed that since the license for the sector is entirely in the hand of the federal government, it makes it very difficult for the state that owns the land to make a meaningful impact, adding that most of the investors don’t even live up to their social community responsibilities to the host communities they operate in.

Declaring the conference open, Governor Francis Nwifuru noted that the state is blessed with numerous mineral deposits, but since mineral resources fall under the federal exclusive list, the federal government has a responsibility to compensate host communities impacted by mining activities.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Oguzu Offia Nwali, noted that the conference will foster dialogue between various stakeholders concerning the sustainable development of mineral resources in Ebonyi State, adding that his administration has created an enabling environment that will drive the sector.

While emphasising the importance of recognising the federal nature of mineral resource management, he added that the Ministry of Solid Minerals, with its partners, will create a transparent framework that not only boosts economic opportunities through mineral exploration but also prioritises the welfare of local communities involved in these activities.

Speaking earlier, the state Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Chidi Onyia, highlighted the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with the university and the Ike Elechi Foundation, stating that the joint effort would focus on ensuring comprehensive data management that encompasses rural areas, thereby facilitating informed decision-making regarding mineral exploration and community welfare.

He noted that the state has acquired many licenses from the federal government, stressing that negotiations are ongoing with some foreign investors for the establishment of a mining company in the state.

He noted that many licenses acquired several years back by investors have not been tapped by them, but since the sector falls within the federal government’s purview, the state cannot do anything, adding that the state government has concluded plans to approach the federal government for the revocation of such licenses.

On his own, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ike Elechi, underscored the collaboration’s objectives of the partnership, noting that it will address the challenges facing the mining sector in the state.

He further explained that the partnership aims to identify with host communities, conduct research, and translate findings into empirical data that can guide effective policy formulation and implementation.

He urged women engaged in mining activities to remain vigilant against the potential dangers associated with mineral extraction, calling for the implementation of safety measures and training programs to ensure the well-being of women in the industry.

One of the participants, Donald Nnadi, noted that the partnership marks a pivotal step in maximising the potential of Ebonyi’s solid minerals while ensuring that local communities benefit from and contribute to the sustainable development of their resources.

“As stakeholders come together, there is renewed optimism for the responsible exploration of minerals in Ebonyi State, paving the way for economic advancement and environmental stewardship,” he noted.