The Enugu State Government has introduced new mining regulations aimed at ensuring fair revenue distribution for host communities and enhancing safety standards throughout the state.

These reforms, which seek to formalize mining operations, are designed to strengthen accountability in the sector while ensuring that local communities benefit directly from mineral resource extraction.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday by Dan Nwomeh, the Senior Special Adviser on Media to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

The statement also highlighted that the reforms are being led by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Solid Minerals and Mining.

NEW: Enugu gov’t sets new rules for mining and burrow pits

The statement in full:

ENUGU STATE BEGIN:S FORMALIZATION OF SAND MINING SECTOR TO ENHANCE SAFETY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND REVENUE GENERATION

In line with the cardinal policies of Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah emphasizing traceability, transparency, and accountability, and in response to the alarming state of operations in the mining sector, the Enugu State Government, through the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Solid Minerals and Mining, has initiated a comprehensive formalization of mining activities across the state. This strategic initiative is aimed at safeguarding lives, enforcing regulatory compliance, and ensuring fair revenue distribution for host communities and the state at large.
Over the past few years, the state has tragically lost over twenty lives in mining pits, largely due to poor safety practices, lack of accountability, and the unregulated nature of the sector. Investigations into these fatalities have been largely absent, leaving affected families and communities without closure or justice.

Addressing These Gaps: A Unified Regulatory Approach

The current unstructured operations in sand mining have created an environment where rules are ignored, safety measures are non-existent, and revenues due to both the government and local communities go unpaid. To remedy this, the state government is launching a formalization initiative that includes the following:

1. Mandatory Registration and Unionization for Enhanced Oversight and Accountability:
All operators in sand, laterite, and mudstone mines, pit owners, mine union workers, evacuation units (tipper operators), excavator and artisan operators and the Miners Association of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, are now required to register with the Ministry of Solid Mineral Resources. Each pit must maintain and submit a comprehensive list of its workers to the Ministry to ensure proper oversight and accountability.

2. Establishment of Unified Burrow pit Owners Union:
To strengthen collective accountability, a standardized and recognized Union of Burrow Pit Owners has been established. This union will serve as a centralized body for coordinating and maintaining records of all registered pits and their personnel. The Ministry emphasizes that all forms of careless and irresponsible mining practices will no longer be tolerated.

3. Mandatory Ministerial Oversight on Price Adjustments in the Mining Sector:
Any review or adjustment of prices by units operating within the mining sector must be conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Mineral Resources. This measure is instituted to maintain transparency and fairness, prevent arbitrary pricing, and ensure alignment with established regulatory and economic standards.

4. Enforcement of Safety Standards:

Every pit must adhere to safety measures developed by certified safety experts. Regular inspections and safety reports will be required to assess the structural integrity of pits. Operations in collapsing or hazardous pits will be suspended to prevent further loss of life.

5. Payment of Royalties and Levies:

Operators will be required to pay appropriate royalties and levies. These include community development levies to ensure that host communities benefit from the resources extracted from their land—an issue that has long been a source of tension and conflict.

6. Establishment of Community Mining Committees and Implementation of Transparency Measures:

All mining communities are required to establish a Community Mining Committee within seven (7) days from the date of this notice. Once formed, the list of committee members must be submitted to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Solid Mineral and Mining for official inauguration.

Following this period, all ground levies due to communities will no longer be paid into private accounts but will instead be directed to designated community project accounts. This decision stems from persistent complaints regarding the diversion of community funds by individuals and is intended to promote greater transparency, accountability, and equitable development.

The Community Mining Committee will be responsible for ensuring that all ground rents and payments made to the community in relation to mining activities are properly accounted for and communicated to the General Assembly of the community. The committee will be held fully accountable for any mismanagement or misappropriation of these funds.

7. Enforcement of Sealed Pits Under Safety and Environmental Regulations:

All mining pits that have been sealed by the Ministry in collaboration with the Mining Marshal for safety and regulatory violations must remain sealed. These pits are not to be reopened until the safety concerns have been adequately addressed. All units are hereby advised to take note and ensure full compliance.

A Call for Cooperation

This formalization process is not punitive but corrective. It is designed to bring order, save lives, and create a more sustainable environment for all stakeholders. We call on all sand mining operators, community leaders, and stakeholders to cooperate fully with this process. The goal is a safer, more transparent, and equitable mining sector in Enugu State.
The lives of our people cannot be traded for profit, and as a government, we will no longer allow unregulated operations to put our citizens at risk. This reform marks a new chapter in solid mineral resource management, and we invite everyone to play their part in building a safer and more responsible industry.