MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Ministry of Mines and Energy has intensified nationwide enforcement actions against illegal and illicit mining activities across Liberia.
Speaking during a press conference, Mines and Energy Minister, Matenokay Tingban, said:” The move is part of efforts to protect the environment and ensure compliance with the country’s mining laws”.
He noted that illegal mining activities continue to threaten lawful investments and deny the government and people of Liberia legitimate benefits from the country’s natural resources.
According to Minister Tingban, a recent operation in Skinner Village, Grand Cape Mount County, led to the arrest of one Liberian and two Indian nationals accused of engaging in illegal mining.
He said several machines used in the operation were confiscated after authorities discovered extensive environmental damage caused by the unlawful activities.
The ministry also carried out another enforcement operation in Lofa County, where an alleged illegal dredge mining operator, identified as Mark Polo, was arrested for establishing an illegal mining installation on the Lofa River.
Meanwhile, he warned that the government will continue to work with state security and the Ministry of Justice to ensure that all individuals involved in illegal mining activities are prosecuted in accordance with Liberian law.
At the same time, the Ministry of Mines and Energy has shut down several mining companies and illegal mining sites in different parts of Liberia for violating the country’s mining regulations.
Addressing journalists during a nationwide enforcement briefing, Mines and Energy Minister Tingban said,” The ministry is taking strong actions against companies operating without valid licenses or proper documentation”.
Minister Tingban disclosed that on April 18, 2026, authorities shut down Jinxing Mining Company in Rivercess County for conducting mining activities without a valid mining license.
He said Investigations revealed that the company was operating in an area belonging to another licensed mining company, despite earlier warnings from the ministry to cease operations.
In Grand Gedeh County, the ministry also ordered the closure of Alex Gee Group of Companies in Belle-Yallah Town, after discovering that the company’s Class ‘B’ mining license had not been renewed for the 2025-2026 period.
Minister Tingban said that despite the expired license, the company reportedly continued operations.
Meanwhile, he said the ministry remains committed to regulating the mineral sector in line with the Minerals and Mining Law of 2000.