The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has ordered the immediate closure of all illegal quarry mining sites operating in the state, citing safety violations and non-compliance with established mining regulations.
The directive was issued during an oversight visit by the House Committee on Solid Mineral Development to quarry locations in Ezza Inyimagu, Izzi Local Government Area. The Committee also summoned operators of the illegal sites to appear before it on Thursday, 26th June 2025, to explain their operations.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ifeanyi Nwakpu, expressed deep concern over the activities of several quarry companies reportedly operating without proper registration, signage, or adherence to safety protocols. He condemned the alleged engagement of underage children in dangerous working conditions, describing it as a direct violation of child welfare standards.
“The use of school-age children in unsafe conditions is unacceptable and a direct affront to the state government’s commitment to education and child welfare,” Hon. Nwakpu stated, criticizing the companies for disregarding Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s education-focused agenda.
The Committee subsequently ordered the suspension of all illegal operations pending full compliance with state mining and safety regulations. However, it commended China Geo Engineering Company (CGC) for maintaining proper safety standards and legal compliance. Workers at the CGC site were reportedly observed using personal protective equipment and operating within regulatory guidelines.
Hon. Nwakpu, who represents Ikwo North Constituency, praised CGC for its adherence to best practices and encouraged other operators in the state to follow suit. Supporting the action, Hon. Friday Ogbuewu, representing Ezza South Constituency, emphasized the oversight’s role in safeguarding community interests and ensuring a responsible business environment.
In response, CGC’s site manager, Mr. Titus Dominic, affirmed the company’s full compliance with all statutory obligations, including the payment of internally generated revenue and the execution of corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to regulating mining activities in Ebonyi State in accordance with legal, safety, and environmental standards.
