Ebonyi Assembly Summons Mining Firm Over Alleged Safety Violations
By Onw Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has summoned Jeo Royal Mining Company over alleged violations of mining regulations and safety standards at its operational site in Ikwo Local Government Area.
Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Mineral Development, Hon. Ifeanyi Nwakpu, according to a press release e-signed by the Public Relations Officer, Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Sylvester Ikechukwu Egede issued the directive during an unscheduled oversight visit to the company’s mining site at Enyim Agalegu Ndufu Alike in Ikwo, warning that the firm’s activities could lead to serious environmental hazards and possible loss of lives and property if urgent corrective measures are not taken.
Nwakpu expressed displeasure over what he described as the company’s failure to adhere to provisions of the Mining Act, particularly in the area of safety measures and operational compliance.
He ordered the management of Jeo Royal Mining Company to appear before the House Committee on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee Room by 10 a.m. to defend its operations.
According to him, the company is expected to present all relevant documents guiding its activities, including its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other regulatory approvals.
“From what we observed on ground, the company has not put in place adequate safety measures as stipulated in the Mining Act, and this could cause agony, material losses and even loss of lives to both government and the host community,” Nwakpu said.
He stressed that the state government under the leadership of Governor Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru remains committed to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens while ensuring that mining activities comply with established laws and environmental standards.
The committee chairman also raised concerns over the activities of artisanal miners in Enyigba Ishiagu community in Abakaliki Local Government Area, warning that illegal and poorly regulated mining driven by the quest for quick financial gains could result in deadly pit collapses.
He urged those involved in such operations to immediately shut down unsafe mining pits to prevent avoidable tragedies.
Members of the committee who accompanied the chairman on the oversight visit included Hon. Godwin Abiri, representing Izzi West Constituency, and Hon. Steve Orji Igwe, representing Edda East Constituency.
Responding on behalf of the company, its manager, through the firm’s translator Judy Chen, assured the lawmakers that Jeo Royal Mining Company was working towards full compliance with the Mining Act and existing agreements with the host community.
She commended the House Committee for the oversight visit and appreciated the Ebonyi State Government for providing a conducive and secure environment for mining companies operating in the state.
