By: Jallah Crawu | Gbarpolu Contributing Reporter
Henry Town, Gbarpolu County |May 26, 2026|Illegal mining activities in Henry Town, Gbarpolu County, have raised serious concerns about environmental damage, lost national revenue, and the future of local communities.
During a visit to the AB Conteh Mining Company site on May 25, 2026, Mines and Energy Minister Hon. R. Matenokay Tingban described the situation as an emergency that requires immediate action.
The Minister said some mining operators are using washing plants to dig deeper into the land in search of high-grade minerals.
He warned that the government will not allow mining activities to continue without proper monitoring and accountability.
“As a nation, we are not going to wait for them to get to the high rack first,” he said.
According to Minister Tingban, Liberia is losing huge amounts of revenue because gold is leaving the country without proper records or taxes being paid.
He explained that the Ministry now wants all companies to fully report their mining activities, including how much mineral they recover and where it is taken.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy is introducing new reporting systems at mining sites to improve transparency.
Companies will now be required to declare all mineral recovery so the government can collect taxes and royalties that can support national development projects.
“We need that money to develop our country,” the Minister said.
Residents and local leaders are also worried about the destruction of land caused by uncontrolled mining activities.
Minister Tingban said the damage to the environment and the loss of national resources are affecting the country’s ability to grow and improve living conditions for citizens.
The Minister also condemned an incident in which members of his inspection team were reportedly attacked while carrying out their duties.
He said workers allegedly set up roadblocks and assaulted government officials during an inspection visit.
“When authority comes to ask you for documents, you don’t attack them,” Tingban stated.
Another concern raised during the visit was the large number of foreign workers at the mining site.
The Minister questioned why many Liberians were unemployed while foreign nationals appeared to dominate the workforce.
He stressed the importance of creating more job opportunities for local citizens.
Describing the situation as urgent, Minister Tingban said illegal mining has become a major threat to the country’s development.
“This is becoming like an emergency. The land has been destroyed, the resources have been exploited, and we don’t generate the needed revenue that will help us to develop our country,” he said.
To strengthen enforcement, the Ministry announced plans to create a national task force involving the Police, AFL, Immigration, Liberia Revenue Authority, Ministry of Justice, and other government institutions.
The team will focus on enforcing mining laws, tracking mineral recovery, and ensuring companies meet their tax obligations.
During the ongoing inspection tour, authorities shut down several mining operations accused of violating regulations.
Minister Tingban said Liberia’s natural resources must benefit the people through infrastructure, economic growth, and employment opportunities.
“The resources of this country must be used to develop this country,” he said.
