MONROVIA – MAY 27, 2026: The Minister of Mines and Energy, R. Matenokay Tingban, has stepped into the field, bolstering efforts by field staff of the Ministry to clamp down on all and any acts of illicit and illegal mining across the Country.

Minister Tingban began his nationwide tour in Gbarpolu County where he held talks with the County’s Superintendent, and later took his technical team into mining locations in that County to ascertain facts and realities of mining procedures and adherence to administrative regulations – the Minerals and Mining Law of 2000, which is the guiding principle of the sector [mining].

In his high-level discussion with the Gbarpolu Superintendent, Sam. K. Zinnah, the Minister of Mines and Energy sent out a clarion call/strong message of leaving no stones unturned in curbing illegal acts in the mininsg sector, assuring the Gbarpolu Superintendent that the Ministry has not only launched a crackdown on illicit and undocumented mining, but it has developed a strong resolve to weed out unscrupulous individuals from the sector to promote sustainable mining practices that protect the environment and support the national budget through revenue generation.

This initiative, Minister Tingban noted, is aimed at promoting and strengthening transparency, accountability, and compliance with the Minerals and Mining Law of Liberia.

Speaking in Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County, Minister R. Matenokay Tingban emphasized that: "Illegal mining poses a significant threat to Liberia’s economic growth, denying the government revenue needed for national development, discouraging legitimate investment, and harming the environment".
The compliance enforcement campaign includes regular inspections, monitoring, and community engagements to educate residents and local operators about responsible mining practices and the importance of adhering to Liberia's mining laws.

The Ministry {MME) has already taken decisive action against companies and individuals violating mining regulations, including the seizure of five excavators from illegal mining sites in Gbarpolu County, mainly around the Henry Town area.

Three of the excavators have been recovered, while efforts are underway to retrieve the remaining two. The Ministry also dismantled unauthorized dredging operations causing environmental damage to rivers and communities during Minister Tingban’s inspection tour.

Minister Tingban urged citizens to support the government's efforts by reporting illegal mining activities, stressing that public cooperation is vital to the campaign's success. The exercise will extend to other counties across Liberia, with Mining Agents and Country office authorities held accountable for monitoring activities and submitting regular reports on a regular basis.

The nationwide enforcement campaign demonstrates the government's determination to create a level playing field for legitimate investors and promote environmentally responsible mining practices.

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