IPNEWS: Chairman of Liberia’s National Taskforce to Combat Illicit Mining Activities, has issued a stern warning to illegal miners, announcing that joint security forces are preparing to descend on mining hotspots across the country in a major nationwide crackdown.
Speaking Tuesday at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Col. Abraham Kromah disclosed that an estimated 485 illegal excavators are currently operating in Grand Kru County alone, raising fresh concerns over the scale of unauthorized mining and its impact on Liberia’s mineral resources. Kromah also accused foreign operators of penetrating remote hinterland communities, allegedly enticing local residents with promises of payments of up to US$500 per month while conducting mining activities that reportedly pollute water sources and cause significant environmental destruction.
The Taskforce Chairman warned that illegal gold and diamond mining is draining Liberia of enormous economic benefits, estimating that the country could be losing approximately US$1.6 billion in mineral resources due to illicit mining activities. Established under Executive Order No. 167, the National Taskforce brings together security, environmental and regulatory institutions to confront illegal mining operations. Under the new framework, the Armed Forces of Liberia will serve as tactical responders, while the Liberia National Police will maintain civil order during enforcement operations.
The Liberia Immigration Service will be responsible for addressing the presence of undocumented foreign nationals involved in illegal mining, while the Ministry of Justice will handle the prosecution of alleged offenders. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency and Ministry of Mines and Energy will assess environmental destruction and strengthen oversight of Liberia’s mining and cadastral systems. To hunt down illegal miners operating deep inside Liberia’s forests, the Taskforce plans to deploy specialized drones and other surveillance technologies. With logistical backing from the Ministry of Finance, the country is also being divided into six operational zones, with initial deployments expected in Grand Kru, Sinoe and Grand Gedeh before the crackdown expands nationwide.
Declaring a zero-tolerance policy, Col. Kromah warned that joint security forces will seize illegal mining equipment, shut down unauthorized mining sites and pursue those responsible for violating Liberia’s mining laws. He said the campaign is ultimately intended to protect Liberia’s natural resources, preserve the environment and ensure that the nation’s mineral wealth delivers tangible benefits to the Liberian people
