MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Chairman of the National Task Force to combat illicit Mining activities, Abraham Kromah, says Liberia’s newly established “Protect Our Resources Task Force” represents a major step by the government to address illicit mining and protect the country’s natural resources.

Speaking at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing, Mr. Kromah said the task force was established by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai through an Executive Order and is made up of security professionals and representatives of key government institutions.

He said” The task force includes personnel from the Armed Forces of Liberia, Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency”.

According to him, the multi-agency arrangement is intended to strengthen enforcement, protect Liberia’s mineral resources and address environmental destruction associated with illegal mining.

He said the task force will work closely with relevant government institutions to ensure that individuals involved in illicit mining activities are investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, Kromah has raised serious concerns over the level of illicit mining and the loss of the country’s natural resources.

According to him, Liberia continues to experience illegal mining activities involving valuable resources, including gold and diamonds, in several parts of the country.

He warned that individuals involved in illicit mining have entered communities and exploited Liberia’s mineral resources while causing significant damage to the environment.

The task force head said available records indicate that Liberia may have lost billions of dollars in resources through illicit mining and other illegal activities.

Kromah described the situation as serious and said the government is determined to take stronger and more proactive measures to protect the country’s natural wealth.

At the same time, Kromah said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will play a major role in addressing environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities across Liberia.

Chairman Kromah said” Illegal miners have allegedly used harmful substances, including mercury, in mining communities, posing risks to water sources and the environment”.

He cited concerns about mining activities in Grand Kru County, where heavy-duty mining equipment is reportedly being used in areas where such operations should not be taking place.

According to Kromah, some illegal mining operators allegedly make promises to local communities while engaging in activities that contribute to environmental pollution and degradation.

He said the EPA will work with the task force to investigate environmental violations and take appropriate action against those responsible.

The National Taskforce to combat illicit Mining activities says it is preparing to begin operations across several parts of the country as part of efforts to combat illicit mining.

The Chairman Kromah said the task force has developed a roadmap and gathered intelligence to guide its operations against individuals and groups involved in illegal mining activities.

He disclosed that members of the task force are expected to visit several counties, including Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru and Sinoe, before extending operations to other parts of Liberia.

Kromah said the task force has also received logistical support, including vehicles, to assist with its planned nationwide operations.

He said the government is determined to move from what he described as a passive approach to a more proactive strategy for protecting Liberia’s natural resources.

He further said the Taskforce is considering the use of advanced drone technology to monitor illegal mining activities and assess environmental damage in remote parts of the country.

Kromah added that the task force is discussing possible support from international partners to acquire technology capable of monitoring activities in difficult-to-reach forest areas.

According to him, the proposed technology would help authorities identify illegal mining operations and determine the extent of environmental destruction caused by mining activities.

Kromah said” The Task Force intends to use modern technology and intelligence gathering to strengthen efforts to protect Liberia’s forests, communities and natural resources”.

He also encouraged members of the media to join the task force during some of its field operations to witness firsthand the impact of illicit mining and environmental degradation across the country.