EBONYI LIFTS SUSPENSION ON PALLADIUM MINING FIRM, WARNS OPERATORS AGAINST KILLINGS
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Ebonyi State Government has lifted the suspension on Palladium Mining Firm following an agreement between the company and the families of two youths allegedly killed at Ihetutu, Ishiagu, in Ivo Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Magnus Nkah, announced the decision in Abakaliki, explaining that the company was initially shut down to prevent further violence following the incident.
He said the government approved its reopening after the dispute was resolved, allowing workers and residents who depend on the company for their livelihoods to return to work.
Nkah, however, warned mining companies against actions that could endanger residents, stressing that the state would expel any operator linked to further killings at mining sites.
He also announced the suspension of operations at Success Bolt Global Limited and Geo-Gravel Nigeria Limited in Ugwu-Ogbaga, Onyikwa Village, Nkaliki, following concerns over a possible breakdown of peace in the area.
The commissioner directed both companies to stop operations immediately and urged mining operators and host communities to maintain peace and respect the rule of law.