Benben Town, Todee District – A months-long mining dispute that triggered unrest and even loss of life in Benben Town, Todee District, has been formally resolved following the intervention of the Ministry of Mines and Energy. The breakthrough came after a visit led by Assistant Minister Carlos Edison Tingban, who announced a government-backed solution aimed at restoring peace and promoting shared economic benefit.
The conflict centered on competing claims over a local mining site, with two groups presenting valid licenses and each asserting ownership. The disagreement had escalated over time, creating deep divisions within the town and reportedly contributing to at least one fatal incident.
In response, the Ministry of Mines and Energy dispatched a team—comprising Deputy Minister for Operations, the Director of Mines, and technical staff—to conduct a detailed assessment. During community engagements, residents explained the origins of the dispute and appealed for government intervention.
During a recent visit to the town, Assistant Minister Tingban addressed residents directly, stressing the need for peaceful coexistence. “If you cannot agree to live together in peaceful harmony, you as a people cannot solve this problem,” he said. He reminded the community that while the government can present solutions, lasting peace depends on local cooperation and mutual respect.
Minister Tingban clarified that the mining site in question is government-owned and not the personal property of any individual or group. “Nobody has or will take it, nor has it been encroached,” he said, refuting claims of illegal occupation. He added, “No one man will own that place,” making it clear that the site would be managed under government oversight with community involvement.
To implement this shared approach, each group was asked to nominate one representative to be documented by the Ministry. These individuals will serve as points of contact for the coordination and supervision of activities at the site. The nomination process is intended to create transparency, accountability, and a balance of interests moving forward.
The Assistant Minister’s remarks also reflected on the human cost of the conflict. “The other day, I heard that someone died. This is not a good story about you people,” he said solemnly. His comments emphasized the urgency of ending the conflict and redirecting efforts toward community development.
“We want to help you as community people so that you can be able to improve your lives, even though the place belongs to the Government,” Tingban said. He encouraged residents to view the site not as a point of division but as an opportunity for collective benefit, urging them to take ownership of peace and progress.
The intervention has been described by community members as timely and needed, bringing relief to a town that has been gripped by tension and uncertainty. While the long-term success of the solution depends on local cooperation, the government’s approach—balancing legal clarity, shared governance, and community dialogue—has been widely welcomed.
As Benben Town moves forward, the Ministry’s actions have set a precedent for how resource disputes can be addressed through engagement, fairness, and accountability.
