By Ben TC Brooks
The discovery of illegal mining operations allegedly carried out by Ghanaian
nationals in River Gee County has raised serious environmental and regulatory
concerns.
Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), recently led a delegation to the county as part of a
broader initiative to enforce environmental regulations and safeguard Liberia’s
natural resources.
During the visit, Dr. Yarpawolo held meetings with key stakeholders,
including the County Superintendent, officials from the Ministry of Mines and
Energy, the Liberia Land Authority, and local community leaders.
Responding to alarming reports of unauthorized mining causing severe
environmental degradation, the EPA conducted unannounced inspections at several
sites across the Tienpo Statutory District. These included Dartuken, Kaytuken,
Nanee Town, and Namee Creek, where both Ghanaian and Liberian nationals were
found using dredges and excavators for gold mining without valid
licenses—violating environmental laws.
The EPA reported that these illegal activities have led to widespread
deforestation and soil erosion, as miners cleared large swaths of forest to
access mineral deposits. Moreover, the use of mercury and other hazardous
chemicals in gold extraction has contaminated local water sources, posing
significant health risks to nearby communities.
Dr. Yarpawolo expressed grave concern over the findings:
“It is our responsibility to protect our natural resources while
promoting sustainable development. We will not tolerate any illegal activities
that threaten the environment or the wellbeing of our citizens,” he
stated.
In response, the EPA announced plans to strengthen collaboration with local
communities and relevant stakeholders to address unlawful mining. Additionally,
the Liberian government reaffirmed its commitment to combating illegal mining
by enhancing monitoring systems and enforcing environmental laws.
This effort, authorities say, is intended to strike a sustainable balance
between resource extraction and environmental preservation.
