Liberia arrests nearly a dozen in illegal mining crackdown

The Presidential Protection of Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) arrested approximately eight to twelve individuals during a raid on illegal dredge mining sites in Grand Cape Mount County, Liberia. The operation targeted unauthorized mineral extraction in the Tewor District and Gonelor Town. Among those detained is the female town chief of Gonelor Town.

One arrested Ghanaian miner, identified as Frank, alleged that his crew paid L$20,000 monthly to the district mining agent’s office to operate without a license. These payments were reportedly made on the 15th of every month. The Ministry of Mines and Energy has not yet responded to these allegations.

The crackdown follows reports of a previous enforcement attempt by Ministry of Mines and Energy officials that turned violent, resulting in the destruction of government vehicles and the seizure of communication devices. PORT Chairman Colonel Abraham Kromah described the operation as “a tip of the iceberg,” stating that the task force intends to expand enforcement activities nationwide to protect mineral resources.