The Ministry of Mines and Energy has informed parties involved in mining dispute in Ben-Ben Town, Mount Coffee Township that stay-order on mining operations remains in full force until the crisis is amicably resolved.
The ministry through its Inspector-General (IG), Agatius Coker, spoke at a community meeting organized by District #1 Representative, Rukie Barry during the weekend. In the meeting, the IG encouraged parties to the conflict to redirect their focus to peaceful coexistence, tolerance and respect for the rule of law, if the Ministry of Mines and Energy should reconsider its decision to lift the ban on mining activities in the area.
In November, last year, the Ministry of Mines and Energy placed a stay-order on all mining activities in Ben-Ben Town after it verified reports of heightened civil disobedience in the town, thus leading to damage of properties and the death of one person.
Speaking during the meeting, IG Coker said tension among conflict parties is likely to escalate if issues that necessitated the conflicts were not properly addressed. He called on the townspeople, and those involved with mining activities in the area to amicably resolve their differences and restore calm to the town. Coker noted that when this is done, the ministry will review the possibility of lifting the ban.
He disclosed that whilst the moratorium is being observed by Mineral Inspectors and State Security agencies, any facts indicating violation by any individual will not be condoned. According to the Mines IG, the Ministry is interested in the full participation of all Liberians in their Country’s mining sector, but said such privilege must be done in accordance with laid down processes and procedures provided by the Minerals and Mining Law, and regulations.
Others who formed part of the ministry’s delegation to the township were, Assistant Minister for Administration, Cooper Paasewe, and Mining Agent, Henry Yates, Local government officials including Commissioner Elijah K. George, graced the assembly aiming to restore peace and harmony to Ben-Ben Town.