GBARPOLU COUNTY, LIBERIA-The Ministry of Mines and Energy has confiscated five excavators, commonly referred to as “yellow machines,” from several illegal mining sites in Bopolu District, Gbarpolu County.

According to Mines and Energy Minister Matenokay Tingban, after the initial seizure, the ministry was able to recover three of the machines, while the remaining two were delayed because their batteries had failed, preventing them from being moved.

Minister Tingban explained that the police are now closely guarding the three recovered machines as efforts continue to transport them to the ministry’s headquarters.

He said,” The crackdown forms part of a broader campaign to curb illegal mining, ensure compliance with the law, and protect Liberia’s natural resources”.

Minister Tingban said the seized machines will remain in custody as investigations proceed.

Meanwhile, residents have welcomed the ministry’s action, hoping it will reduce environmental harm and improve oversight.

The ministry has pledged that inspections and enforcement will continue in other regions of the country.