MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Ministry of Mines and Energy has intensified the fight against illicit mining in the Gola National Park, in Grand Cape Mount County.

The Ministry says as part of its fight, it has begun confiscating several equipment and destroying illegal mining camps in the Park.

The confiscation of the equipment followed a week-long operation carried out in the Gola Forest by the Inspectorate Division of the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

The Division has since begun carrying out similar operations in rural Montserrado County, the Western and Southeastern Regions, including all six mining regions in Liberia.

The Ministry said:” The impacts of illicit mining are negative to both human and the environment, and also defrauds the Government of Liberia of the needed revenue.”