Mines and Energy Ministry Declares
June 2, 2025-MONROVIA: The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Mines and Energy, has finally brought closure to a longstanding mining dispute in Ben-Ben Town, Todee District, Montserrado County.
At the conclusion of a mass citizens meeting held Monday, June 2, 2025 at its central Monrovia head-office, the Mines and Energy Ministry declared that the ‘mining pit’ or plot of land that has been at the center of the 10-month long confusion belongs to none of the two parties (groups) that has been claiming ownership. Assistant Minister for Mines, Carlos Edison Tingban, chairing the meeting informed the Ben-Ben-Ben Town residents that the Ministry’s decision is based on facts gathered during an intensive investigative process which implored the use of cloud technology.
Assistant Minister Tingban divulged that re-survey of mining sites in Ben-Ben Town, coupled with UTM Coordinates gathered from the area that sparked the violent tensions proved that no one has ever obtained a Mining License for the disputed site. Hence, Mining Licenses in the possession of the two parties (groups) fall outside of the disputed mining pit – “according to our technical investigations and findings”; the Assistant Mines Minister said.
Consequently, Assistant Minister Tingban said, the Government of Liberia owns the disputed area, according to the Minerals and Mining Law of 2000, and the Government reserves the right to make decision on further mining operations there. He also noted that such determination will be made subsequently by the Ministry of Mines and Energy as provided for by Law.
The Assistant Minister for Mines used the meeting to reinforce Minister Wilmot Paye’s moratorium placed on all mining activities in Ben-Ben Town and urged residents of the Town to abide by the Government’s stay order. He cautioned that remedial actions backed by the laws of Liberia will be applied to any violator (s).
The Office of Montserrado County Senator, Saah Joseph, was represented during the meeting by Arona J. Zeah, while the County’s District #1 Representative, Rugie Barry, sent a proxy. In remarks, Mount Coffee Township, Todee District Commissioner Elijah K. George, Sr., along with other speakers, called for adherence to the rule of Law by welcoming the technical investigative report in good faith and denounce any further acts of violence in Ben-Ben Town.
Commissioner George and representatives from the Lawmakers’ offices admonished heads and followers of the two disputed groups to dialogue and come up with a consensus that promotes peace and tranquility in their community. He assured the residents of working along with them to embrace reconciliation and find solutions around the possibilities of resuming mining activities in support of their livelihoods.
To get more news and information from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, to to: www.mme.gov.lr
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