The small community of Igare in Ogun State, Nigeria has endured deafening blasts on a near daily basis since 2014 when Chinese mining company Zhong Tai Nigeria Limited began extracting rocks from an open quarry on the outskirts of the village. Residents describe waking up terrified as their homes shake violently during the blasting operations.
“As I was sleeping, the old house shook. I had to run out of my room because it was so scary,” recalls a student at Olabisi Onabanjo University.
The effects of the blasts are clearly visible throughout Igare. Rocks are strewn across yards and roads are damaged from heavy trucks transporting materials. House walls closest to the quarry show cracks and patches where falling debris has hit. The village’s traditional ruler says the road leading to the community was supposed to be improved according to their agreement with Zhong Tai but remains in poor condition.
Residents have endured the blasts and disruptions for years with little compensation or protection of their health and property from Zhong Tai. An investigation by Kara House found the company has failed to meet many commitments outlined in its initial contract such as providing employment, repairing damages, and rebuilding a community center on the land.
Frustrated by the lack of action, Igare community leaders took Zhong Tai to court but lost the case after the company’s legal team submitted reports the village claims misrepresented their agreement. They are now waiting for the current mining license to expire to renegotiate a fairer deal. However, Erica, a Jiangtai supervisor, denies any wrongdoing, saying issues have been addressed through discussions.
The plight of Igare residents highlights the power imbalance that often exists between international corporations and rural communities in developing nations. Without proper oversight or enforcement of regulations, mining operations can severely disrupt local livelihoods with few consequences.
