An Enugu Court Halts Coal Mining Operations by Companies

The Enugu High Court, under the authority of Justice A.R Ozoemena, has granted a restraining order on Wednesday against Milhouse Energy Services and African Pits & Quarries Ltd. This is in relation to their ownership and operation of a coal mining site at Awhum in Udi council, prohibiting them from conducting further mining activities in the area.

The case was brought against the companies by the Enugu State government through the Attorney General of the state. The government has accused the companies of engaging in environmental degradation, blasting without approval and due regulations, failure to remit staff tax to the state government, and not remitting pension contributions to the pension scheme despite deducting the same from the staff, among other allegations.

After consideration of submissions from Counsels to the state government, the Judge concurred with the government’s position that the activities of the companies have led to environmental degradation in the Ibite Awhum area of Udi Local Government Area in Enugu State. Consequently, the court has ordered a suspension of further activities, sealing, and closure of the premises of the Respondents at the aforementioned location. The matter has been adjourned to October 3, 2023, for further hearing.

In June of this year, Governor Peter Mbah banned illegal mining activities in the state and established the Enugu State Committee on Review of Mining Activities to address the issue. The Committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu, has commenced the process of sealing up illegal mining sites in the state.

The state government reiterated that the enforcement of the ban on illegal mining would continue across the state until there were none left. They have reaffirmed their commitment to preventing environmental destruction and safeguarding the well-being of the people.

The quantity of coal being extracted from the mining site by Milhouse Energy Services was not disclosed. However, reports from members of the Awhum community allege that more than 50 truckloads of coal leave the mining site daily.

The government has expressed its determination to thoroughly examine the licenses of the companies and assess the mitigating plans they have in place. They are concerned about the long-term impact on the host communities and their surroundings.

The Enugu State government is wary of the lasting consequences of mining activities on the environment and the lives of its people. They have cited the enduring environmental degradation caused by historical mining activities and are determined not to repeat the same mistakes.

The government’s proactive stance against illegal mining is aimed at protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable development for the state and its people.

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