Ministry of Mines Confiscates Two Excavators in Gbarpolu Crackdown on Illegal Mining Activities
MONROVIA, Liberia – June 7, 2026 – The Ministry of Mines and Energy has intensified its nationwide efforts to combat illegal mining, confiscating two excavators during a compliance enforcement operation in the Koringa Mining District of Gbarpolu County.
The operation, which was carried out with support from the National Joint Security in Gbarpolu County, forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing campaign to ensure that all mining activities across Liberia are conducted in accordance with the Minerals and Mining Law. The enforcement team was led by Mining Agent Paul Mulbah and County Mine Officer Lawrence Gban.
According to officials, the excavators were being used by individuals engaged in unauthorized mining activities. Preliminary findings from the enforcement team established that the heavy-duty equipment was operating illegally on a Class “C” mining license claim owned by Morris Kaba. Authorities determined that the use of the machinery on the property violated established mining regulations and licensing requirements.
As a result of the operation, the two excavators were seized and transported to the Liberia National Police depot in Henry Town, where they remain impounded pending further investigation and legal action.
Speaking during the enforcement exercise, Mining Agent Paul Mulbah emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to enforcing Liberia’s mining laws and protecting the country’s mineral resources from exploitation by unauthorized operators. He noted that illegal mining activities continue to pose significant challenges to the sector, including environmental degradation, loss of government revenue, and conflicts within mining communities.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy reiterated that it maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward illicit and illegal mining activities throughout Liberia. Officials stressed that compliance monitoring and enforcement actions will continue in mining districts across the country to ensure that all operators adhere to the law.
In a separate development arising from the same operation, Ministry officials reported that a group of Chinese nationals claiming to operate under the Class “B” mining license of Cosmos Mining Company had allegedly exhausted activities within the company’s licensed area and expanded operations beyond the approved mining tenement.
The Ministry’s investigation found that the individuals were conducting mining activities outside the boundaries authorized under the company’s license. Such actions constitute a violation of Liberia’s mining regulations, which require license holders to operate strictly within designated concession and claim areas.
With support from the National Joint Security, authorities intervened and took control of the situation. The individuals involved were taken into custody and are currently being held by police in Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County. Officials say the suspects are awaiting further processing as authorities conduct a full-scale investigation into the matter.
The Ministry indicated that the investigation will seek to determine the extent of the alleged violations and whether additional legal or administrative sanctions may be warranted. Authorities also plan to assess any environmental or community impacts associated with the unauthorized mining activities.
The latest enforcement action is part of a nationwide inspection and compliance tour being undertaken by Minister of Mines and Energy R. Matenokay Tingbah. The tour is aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight, improving compliance within the mining sector, and ensuring that mineral resources are developed in a manner that benefits the Liberian people.
Over the years, the Ministry has repeatedly warned against illegal mining and the misuse of mining licenses, noting that such practices undermine efforts to build a transparent and accountable mining industry. Officials believe stronger enforcement measures are necessary to safeguard Liberia’s natural resources and promote responsible mining operations.
The Ministry has encouraged citizens, local communities, and licensed operators to cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious or unauthorized mining activities. Officials say public cooperation remains critical to protecting the country’s mineral wealth and ensuring that mining activities contribute to national development.
As enforcement efforts continue, the Ministry of Mines and Energy has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law within the mining sector and holding violators accountable. The government maintains that all mining operators, regardless of size or nationality, must comply with Liberia’s laws and regulations governing the exploration and extraction of mineral resources.