The Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources in Akwa Ibom State has directed Chinese-owned mining company, Ruitai Mining Company to terminate all mining operations in Esuk Ikim Akeme community, Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, until due clearance legitimizing its operations is completed with the State Government.
Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Chief Uno Etim Uno, and his Ministry of Internal Security counterpart, Brigadier General Koko Essien stated this during an unscheduled inspection tour of the Chinese-owned mining company.
Inspecting the site located near Ibeno beach, black clay-like minerals contained in sack bags of 50kg, and described by the miners as Titanium Ore, were uncovered.
A Statement issued by the Ministry’s information unit revealed that the mining operation which has reportedly spanned over a 9-month period, is illegal as such a license can only be issued to Nigerians, as local contents law permits.
The Company was also asked to approach the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources (MEMR) with all papers authorizing its operations, with full coordination of the area approved for its mining operations.
