An alluvial mining company operating in Gulf province has been issued orders to halt operations temporarily while environment assessments are carried out by the designated government authority.
Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) Managing Director Jude Tukuliya issued an Environment Protection Order (EPO) following complaints by senior members of the community alleging damages to the environment as a result of alluvial mining operations.
“As the custodian of the environment and with the powers vested on me by the Environment Act 2000 and CEPA Act 2014, I now issue this EPO to temporarily halt work as audit and environment assessments commence to establish facts surrounding the claims by the affected people,” Mr. Tukuliya said.
An EPO, by law, is issued to stop any operations that affect the environment and allow for investigations to commence following alleged breaches by an environment permit holder.
The Hell Gates Limited obtained an environment permit and mining lease in 2014. The firm has been carrying out mechanized mining in the area.
Issuing the EPO to a company representative along the Tauri River, Mr. Tukuliya said the role of CEPA is to ensure the environment is protected and the country’s laws are complied with.
“We are not here to chase any investors out of our country; we welcome those that do the right thing. Our concern is the environment, ensuring the relevant laws are followed while you do business here,” he said.
Managing Director Tukuliya said the environment must be preserved for the future generations.
“Our ancestors lived on this land and used the river system for their sustenance, so do we and let’s not forget our children and theirs to come,” he concluded.
Present to witness the presentation of the EPO was a Ward Councilor from the riverine community, Dennis Sapea who welcomed CEPA and its officers.
“It’s important that the state entity is looking into this as we use the river system for our daily needs and the assessments will show if the water is safe to use in our everyday lives.