MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Minister of Mines and Energy Gessler Murray says the Ministry has never granted license to any miners to operate in protected areas of Liberia.

Minister Murray said the Ministry respects laws establishing and governing protected areas across the Country. His statement is in reaction to the recent dredge mining in the Gola Forest National Park.

Minister Murray said the Ministry, along with the Joint Security have launched an operation seizing dredge machines and removing miners from Protected Areas including the Gola Forest National Park.

He recognized that illicit mining is a contributing factor to prostitution, drug addiction and money laundering, among others.

Speaking Tuesday, March 9, 2021, on the sideline of program marking the granting of licenses to the LEC, Minister Murray said the ban placed on the use of dredge in the Country remains in forced.