The Minister of the Lands Mines and Energy, Dr. Eugene Shannon, has threatened to take drastic action against any one or company that would engage in illegal mining in the country.
Speaking Wednesday at the presentation ceremony of two international mining companies in Monrovia, Dr. Shannon indicated that while the country is still under the United Nations sanctions not to mine diamond, his Ministry will not allow anybody or company to engage in diamond mining.
He warned that anyone who engages in illegal mining would be imprisoned and be made to pay US$10,000 on a weekly basis.
Minister Shannon said the government is doing everything possible to ensure that the United Nations lift the sanction on diamond, therefore it will not allow anyone to engage in act that could undermine the lifting of the sanction.
He warned companies that have been given the right to carryout exploration not to engage in mining while the sanction is still enforced adding, "when you engaged in such act, we will not hesitate to prosecute you."
Dr. Shannon admonished mining companies that are in the country to carryout exploration and live within the confirm of the laws that governed Liberia. "We want to treat you with respect but you have to do likewise," he said.
He assured the mining companies of government's protection as they go about their business.
The Lands Mines and Energy Minister then encouraged other mining companies to invest in the country, in order to create job opportunities for jobless Liberians.
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He pointed out that if Liberia is to reduce the poverty rate, the government must ensure that its citizens have job to do in order to sustain themselves adding, "we cannot be talking about poverty reduction when the people do not have job to do; this is a complete contradiction."
The Manager of Trans Hex, Mr. Bertus Cilliers said his company would by next year begin bulk sampling of diamond, which is referred to as exploitation, and not mining.
He said his company would only begin exploitation of diamond when the sanction is lifted by the United Nations.
During the period of exploitation, he said huge equipment would be brought in to carryout the process.
He said during the process of exploitation, any diamond that would be found would be kept at the bank in the country until the sanction is lifted.
