Prof. Sam Ugwu, the Enugu State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, expressed concern over the significant environmental damage caused by illegal coal miners in the state. As the Chairman of the Committee on Review of Mining Activities, he led an environmental assessment and enforcement team to seal the sites of illegal mining activities in Nsude and Akwuke communities.
The Commissioner, accompanied by experts and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Kingsley Nnaji, observed illegal deforestation, diversion of water bodies, and degradation of vast land areas by the miners. Prof. Ugwu warned that such unregulated mining activities could lead to an ecological disaster if not promptly addressed.
He decried the damage done without the approval of the Enugu State Government and emphasized the government’s commitment to closing all illegal mining sites in the state. The Commissioner stated that the recovery from the extensive environmental damage would take many years.
Prof. Ugwu served a letter of invitation to the miners, urging those with genuine mining licenses and approvals to visit the state government for verification. He also encouraged genuine investors to follow proper procedures to contribute to the state’s energy and minerals sector.
Residents and communities across the state have been protesting against the activities of illegal miners, citing threats from security agencies and unlawful arrests by operatives attached to protect the miners. They called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for environmental destruction.
Environmental experts, including Engr. Amara Victor and Engr. Raphael Edeh, warned of potential ecological and environmental catastrophes if decisive steps are not taken. They highlighted contamination of farming areas and water sources, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent landslides and earthquakes.
At the mining sites in Nsude and Akwuke, heavy-duty trucks, excavators, caterpillars, coal-loaded trailers, and other machinery used for illegal mining activities were observed. The government’s intervention aims to curb the environmental degradation caused by unregulated mining practices in the state.
