A coal miner in Enugu State, Queendaline Augustine, has raised concerns over alleged interference by the state government in her mining operations.
Augustine, who owns Queensec Global Resources Limited with a valid mining title (No. 42791) in Enugu North LGA, accused the Senior Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on Solid Minerals, Samuel Okoro, of illegally mining on her site and allocating it to other miners.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, she claimed that Okoro, who also chairs the state’s Mineral Resources and Environmental Committee (MIREMCO), was using his position to intimidate miners and forcefully extract resources. She further alleged that the state government’s policies monopolized the solid minerals sector, compelling miners to sell exclusively to the government.
Meanwhile, Okoro refuted claims of encroachment and mineral theft, stating that the government is only ensuring adherence to safe mining practices and approved charges.
Augustine has petitioned the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, the Mining Cadastre Office, and the Inspector General of Police to intervene. The Enugu Zonal Mines Officer, Oluwole Tunbosun, confirmed receipt of the petition, stating that investigations were ongoing.
