Liberian enforcement officers seized two excavators and detained several suspects, including a group of Chinese nationals, during a June 7 raid on illegal mining in Gbarpolu County, the latest action in a nationwide campaign to rein in unauthorized mineral extraction and environmental destruction.
The operation, backed by the National Joint Security detachment, targeted mining that authorities said was unlawful and environmentally harmful, occurring inside both licensed and unlicensed concession areas. According to Gbarpolu County Mining Agent Paul Mulbah, the two excavators were found actively operating in violation of Liberia's Minerals and Mining Law on a Class "C" claim registered to an individual identified as Morris Kaba.
"The equipment was being used in clear violation of the mining regulations. We acted in line with the law to stop further damage and ensure compliance," Mulbah said. The confiscated excavators have been moved to the Liberia National Police depot in Henry Town, where they remain in official custody pending investigation.
The raid also exposed alleged violations by foreign operators. Officials said a group of Chinese nationals was found mining under the Class "B" license of Cosmos Mining Company but operating outside the company's authorized boundaries. Preliminary findings indicate the activity caused significant depletion of the site and breached both licensing conditions and environmental regulations.
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County Mine Officer Lawrence Gban confirmed the suspects were arrested with help from National Joint Security personnel and are being held in police custody in Bopolu City. "We have taken control of the situation. Those involved are in custody and will be processed for a full investigation in accordance with the law," he said, adding that the matter is being treated as a serious offense and will be forwarded for legal action once investigations conclude.
The ministry cast the operation as proof of its "zero-tolerance" stance, warning that violators will be prosecuted regardless of status or affiliation. The action comes amid mounting concern over illegal mining across Liberia, including reports of large-scale unauthorized extraction in forested and mineral-rich regions involving both local and foreign operators, which officials say has prompted tighter monitoring and heavier security deployments in several counties.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy said the raid forms part of a broader compliance and inspection campaign led by Mines and Energy Minister R. Matenokay Tingban, aimed at sanitizing the sector and enforcing licensing, environmental and operational rules to protect government revenue and communities harmed by unregulated mining.
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