By: Melvin Flomo
The Ministry of Mines and Energy, in collaboration with the Liberia National Police and Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), has arrested two foreign nationals for engaging in illicit mining activities in Tuzohn, Grand Gedeh County.
The suspects, identified as Chinese national Jack Chen and Ghanaian Obed Burikoney, also known as Kwemie, were caught operating semi-mechanized mining using excavators under a Class ‘C’ Mining License, a violation of Liberia’s Minerals and Mining Law. Their activities were reportedly causing significant environmental pollution.
The Ministry’s compliance enforcement team apprehended the duo during a routine field operation. They have since been handed over to the Liberia National Police detachment in Greenville, Sinoe County, and will face further investigation before being turned over to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation, the Ministry’s team uncovered serious regulatory breaches at the Atlantic Mineral Company’s Heavy Mineral Sand (HMS) processing facility in Morgan Community, Sinoe County. The company was found to be operating without a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining benefits for host communities, a key requirement under mining regulations.
Additionally, the Atlantic Mineral Company was found to be employing Vietnamese nationals lacking proper immigration documentation. Despite having three active HMS plants with multiple cyclone processors, the company reportedly provides no support or assistance to the surrounding community.
Mines and Energy Minister Wilmot Paye emphasized that the ongoing compliance enforcement drive is part of the government’s broader strategy to sanitize the mining sector, eliminate bad actors, and ensure environmental protection and revenue generation for national development.
“Those who attempt to sidestep legal procedures, exploit natural resources unlawfully, and deny communities their due benefits will be held accountable,” Minister Paye warned.
The Ministry says further updates will be provided as the field operations continue across the southeastern region.
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