By Paul M. Kanneh & Emmanuel Koffa
A fact-finding visit by the Liberia Forest Media Watch (LFMW) has observed a surge in illicit mining practices in Grand Kru County. The act of illegal mining shifts from hard forests to lowland/swamps, raising significant concerns about environmental degradation and community safety. None of the actor presented document, authorizing them to conduct mining when asked by LFMW.
Located near Barclayville City, Grand Kru County, along the Pleebo-Maryland road, the artisanal mining is happening in Dougbo Community, specifically in the swamp/lowland that connects smaller streams of waters/creeks to big rivers or the Atlantic Ocean.
From the physical view of the mining activities, the environmental impact ranges from habitat destruction, water pollution, soil erosion, waterways alteration, loss of biodiversity, social and cultural Impacts.
The clearing of the land in the lowland/swamps, as observed, is likely to lead to the destruction of local habitats, disrupting aquatic ecosystems and displacing amphibians and other aquatic species as swamps often provide critical habitats for various species, including aquatic plants and animals.
Additionally, water pollution is high as can be seen in the mining arears. Although LFMW did not see the use of mercury substance, the runoff from the mining sites is likely to carry toxic wastes into the surrounding water bodies, thus affecting the aquatic life and quality of water for human use. Environmentalists view this as dangerous for a region like Grand Kru that has large bodies of water including the Atlantic Ocean.
Large cultivation of vegetation can also be seen at the various mining sites. “The removal of the vegetation is likely to create conditions for soil erosion and exacerbate the loss of fertile land, increase deposit in water bodies, and disrupt the local hydrology”, Paul Hebelamou, an environmental Journalist warned.
Because the mining actives is not being regulated or done professionally, change in the flow of water is imminent, which, according to Paul, could affect the entire ecosystem in the swamp as the water levels could drop, putting aquatic species at risk.
Local residents have expressed growing concerns over the increasing presence of illegal miners, lured by quick profits making from gold and other minerals found in the area. The citizens are mainly concerned about the social impact of the unregulated mining practices they believe may lead to conflict over resources and increase poverty, adding, some of these places are traditionally important for cultural practices, and that if care is not taken, their cherished heritage could be affected.
Sources within the community have reported widespread deforestation, as trees are felled to make way for mining operations, and waterways are polluted by chemicals used in the extraction processes, thereby threatening the health of local ecosystems and jeopardizing the water supply for the communities downstream.
“These illegal miners do not care about our environment,” lamented a local elder only identified as Nugba, who is witnessing the rapid changes in the landscape of his community due to unregulated mining practices. “They dig wherever they want and leave behind a barren wasteland, endangering our farms and water sources.”, Nugba decried the unregulated mining practices.
The socioeconomic implications of these illicit mining activities are equally concerning as the illegal miners often encroach on farm lands, which directly impacts food security. “Many of us are struggling to feed our families because we can no longer farm safely,” a local farmer stated. “With the miners taking over our land, we have to find other means to survive,” a local farmer Theresa Jolo lamented.
The situation in Dougbo Community, has broader ramifications for surrounding regions, particularly Barclayville and Pleebo. County Administration fears that if the illicit mining activities continue unchecked, it could lead to unrest and conflict over resources.
LFMW observed that the potential for escalating tension is heightened by the arrival of individuals from other regions in search of wealth/other mineral resources.
Local authorities through the offices of the Grand Kru County Administrative Officer, Alphonso DN Teah have called for urgent intervention from the government to address the illicit mining activities. But enforcement remains a challenge due to limited resources and manpower.
“While some level of progress is being made in ensuring proper monitoring of mining activities, constraints are being experienced due to limited funds to have the Ministry’s presence in every mining location with trained and competent sector professionals”, the Minister of Mines and Energy, Wilmot Paye recently told the Senate Committee on Mines, Energy, and Natural Resources when he appeared to respond to the use of chemicals in mining procedures.
Community leaders have urged the national governments to deploy more law enforcement to regulate mining activities and safeguard the well-being of the residents. They are calling on the government to establish transparent regulations and support small-scale, licensed mining operations that can provide economic benefits without depleting local resources.
“We need to work together to find a solution that works for everyone,” said a community activist. “Illicit mining is tearing us apart. We want to protect our land and ensure our future generations can thrive.” Elijah Tamba.
The pressing issues surrounding illicit mining in the Dougbo Community in Trehn Statutory District highlight the complexities of resource management in Liberia as the Minister of Mines and Energy, Wilmot Paye called for concerted efforts to curb illegal mining activities across the country.
