By K. Ericson Sayee
MONROVIA, July 5 (LINA) – The House of Representatives, has gathered major stakeholders from across the mining sector of Liberia to discuss and find a solution to resolving the issue plaguing the country’s mineral sector.
There has been a series of concerns, from the citizens, Executive, and Legislative branches of government about the misuse of the country’s mineral resources, but lawmakers raised serious concerns aimed at liaising with major stakeholders, particularly members from the Executive, to amicably solve the matter surrounding the perennial illegal mining activities in the country.
In remarks, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon said illicit mining activities across the country are concerns that the House is not taking lightly, noting that significant oversight is needed in collaboration with key stakeholders in the sector to curb the widespread illicit mining countrywide.
He also raised concerns over the issuance of mining licenses as the legislature is committed to working with regulators in the sector to explore transparency.
The Speaker added that during the hearing, the House will request records of mining licenses issued nationwide in order to assess those mining companies as it relates to their compliance and to further scrutinize direct impacts in those communities that they operate.
Making an introductory remark, the Joint Committee Chairman, Rep. Jeremiah Garwo Sokan of Grand Gedeh County electoral District #1, said the public hearing signaled legislative commitment to ensuring transparency and creating an enabling environment for the sector.
He said for the country to benefit from the sector, there is a need to work with stakeholders to institute a robust oversight responsibility that will help identify problems that need to be addressed in strengthening regulatory control.
The hearing, which converged the Environmental Protection Agency, Central Bank of Liberia, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Governance Commission, Law Reforms Commission, Ministry of Mines and Energy, and Liberia Chamber of Mines, was called by the House’s Committee on Lands, Mines and Energy, Natural Resources and Environment.
Others include the House’s Committee on Mines and Energy, and Natural Resources and Environment, Hydrocarbon, and Judiciary.
The Joint Committee’s hearing with key stakeholders was predicated upon voluminous concerns over illicit mining activities in the country due to lack of efficient and proficient enforcement across.
At the hearing, the Minister of Mines and Energy R. Matenokay Tingban said illicit mining and mineral smuggling in Liberia’s artisanal and small-scale-to- medium scale mining sector are problems that require serious attention.
He added that over the years, the trend of artisanal and small-scale mining has gradually shifted from subsistence-driven mining activities into increased semi-industrial operations fueled by the influx of some foreign participants aided by local authorities and inhabitants.
Minister Tingban disclosed that there are challenges including insufficient logistical support and manpower constraints, expressing his willingness to work with the lawmakers in ensuring that the illicit mining activities are resolved.
For his part, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo alluded that the illegal mining activities pose environmental threats to environments where these activities are being executed.
He believes that averting the situation will definitely help to curtail those risks and threats posed by the illicit mining activities taking place countrywide.
After carefully listening to these expert opinions, lawmakers expressed confidence that working collaboratively will help resolve the mining issues in the country. The hearing will continue July 8, 2026.
As part of efforts to curtail illicit mining activities in the country, it can be recalled that the President recently constituted a National Taskforce Against Illicit Mining in Liberia.