The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has mandated the immediate closure of all illegal quarry mining sites operating within the state until they comply with established mining and safety regulations.
This directive was issued during an oversight visit by the House Committee on Solid Mineral Development to quarry sites in Ezza Inyimagu, located in Izzi Local Government Area. The committee also summoned the operators of these illegal quarries to appear before it on June 26, 2025, to explain their activities.
Committee Chairman Hon. Ifeanyi Nwakpu expressed concern over several companies operating without proper registration and safety measures, and highlighted the alarming practice of employing underage children in hazardous conditions. He criticized these companies for undermining the state government’s commitment to education and child welfare.
“The use of school-age children in unsafe conditions is unacceptable,” Nwakpu stated, emphasizing the need for compliance with state mining laws.
The committee ordered the immediate suspension of operations by the illegal quarries until they meet legal requirements. Conversely, they commended China Geo Engineering Company (CGC) for adhering to safety standards, noting that their workers were equipped with protective gear and operated within legal guidelines.
Nwakpu praised CGC for setting a positive example, urging other quarry companies in the state to follow suit. The committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all mining activities are conducted in accordance with legal and environmental standards.
