By Emmanuel Koffa
Grand Kru County, Liberia — [April 14, 2025] A member of the Grand Kru County Legislative Caucus has called for an immediate crackdown on illicit miners in his county. Senator Albert Tugbe Chie said reports of rampant illegal mining activities in Grand Kru County is worrisome and needs urgent attention to safe the future of the south-eastern county.
“The illegal mining that is taking place, especially around River-Nur, poses a serious threat not only to our environment, but also to the future of our county’s youth who engage in such activities,” Senator Chie said. “These operations are not regulated, and they could lead to severe ecological damage that we might not be able to reverse.”
Senator Chie has meanwhile called upon local government officials and community leaders to work collaboratively with youths of the area to crack down on illicit mining activities in the county. He emphasized the need for a united front to ensure that the resources of the county are protected and that affected communities are educated on the impacts of illegal mining activities.
“Those illegal miners are all criminals! I mandate local officials to take immediate actions. We must work together to put an end to these unlawful practices,” Chie said. “It is essential that our young people understand the risks and legal implications associated with illegal mining,” the Grand Kru lawmaker added.
He wants locals in the area to promote sustainable practices that will benefit their communities for a longer period rather than engaging in activities that with short life span which undermine the growth and development of their county.
The Grand lawmaker’s stern warnings were contained in an appreciation statement delivered at Barclayville City as part of his county tour to thank his kinsmen for his election in the 2023 senatorial election.
The situation on reported illegal mining activities in the county was reported by a youth representative in the county, which later caught the attention of the lawmaker.
“I have traveled to most affected mining communities but they couldn’t raise these issues of mining [activities], but it’s today that this youth representative is telling me this. I should appreciate him for bringing it up to my attention,” Chie revealed.
According to the Grand Kru lawmaker, about 35 escavators owned by Liberians are in the bushes and waters of the county, illegally operating there.
Dredge mining is banned in Liberia and the use of escavators by artisanal miners is a violation of the Mineral and Mining Law of Liberia. Such mining operations leave behind detrimental effects on the environment and the socio-economic fabric of a given area. It also affects the livelihoods of local families who depend on the river and surrounding ecosystems.
Dredge on a Grand Kru River. Photo by Emmanuel Koffa
He used the forum and called on his kinsmen to invest in education instead of risking their lives and damaging the future of their communities.
However, the senator’s call to action has been met with mixed responses. Other residents appreciate the concerns raised about environmental sustainability while others perceive the crackdown as a potential threat to their immediate economic needs. The youths, many of whom rely on informal mining as a source of income, have expressed apprehension about how the enforcement measures will affect their livelihoods.
The Grand Kru County Senator also committed himself to facilitating discussions between stakeholders, including local miners, environmental advocates, and government representatives.
He believes that through dialogue, it is possible to find a balance between economic opportunity and environmental conservation.
According to him, as the situation unfolds, his eyes of Grand Kru County remain focused on the efforts of local officials and affected community at large to address the challenges posed by illegal mining.
His proactive approach could serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar issues, demonstrating the importance of community engagement and leadership in safeguarding natural resources.
It is hoped that this call will help scare away illicit miners and illegal mining activities in the area as the menace has been widespread in Liberia.
Edited by: Esau J. Farr| Sub-Editor
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