By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy has launched a major crackdown on illegal mining activities in Todee District, seizing a cache of contraband equipment and shutting down unauthorized operations in Blackie Town and surrounding areas of Ben-Ben Town.
The Ministry’s Compliance Enforcement Team, led by Inspector Foday Varney and supported by Inspectors Joseph Blama and Kessely Tarwai, Jr., confiscated several pieces of equipment, including industrial water pumps, air compressors used for blasting, and large hoses typically employed in illegal gold mining.
Authorities also seized the keys to an excavator owned by an individual identified as Emmanuel Yongar. The equipment was found at a site where unauthorized mining activities were taking place, MME issued statement on Friday noted.
According to the Ministry, individuals operating at the sites failed to produce valid mining licenses when approached by inspectors. In response, the Ministry issued a Closure Order halting all operations and initiating an investigation into the activities of those involved.
“This operation is part of our continued efforts to eliminate illegal mining, which undermines the country’s legal mining sector and robs the state of critical revenue needed for national development,” the Ministry said in a statement issued through its Public Relations Department.
Officials reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing mining regulations and warned that violators will face full legal penalties.
Illegal mining remains a persistent challenge in Liberia, often associated with environmental degradation, tax evasion, and exploitation of local resources without benefit to surrounding communities.
The Ministry’s actions in Todee signal a renewed focus on strengthening regulatory enforcement and protecting the country’s natural resources from unlawful exploitation.
