By Moses J. Dawoe-Maryland (freelance)
The German Cooperation, in collaboration with GIZ and with funding from the European Union, has partnered with the Government of Liberia to strengthen mining laws and regulatory enforcement, across the country.
As part of this effort, a two-day intensive training was launched for gold miners and officials from the Ministry of Mines and Energy at the Pleebo City Hall in Maryland County.
The program aims to enhance knowledge of mining laws, promote sustainable practices, and curb illegal activities.
Mr. Richard Yankai Mulbah, an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Analyst, highlighted that the German Cooperation has been working with Liberia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy through a series of capacity-building initiatives.
Speaking at the launch on December 17, 2024, Mr. Mulbah emphasized that the training was designed to provide a clearer understanding of mining regulations to local stakeholders, including government agencies and community leaders.
“This program is not unique to Liberia; similar initiatives are ongoing in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Ghana,” Mr. Mulbah said. “Our focus here is on small-scale mining activities in River Gee and Maryland Counties, where environmental degradation caused by mining remains a significant concern.”
He underscored the damaging effects of mining, particularly pollution of local creeks and rivers due to non-compliance with environmental laws.
Mr. Mulbah also warned against the illegal use of mercury chemicals in gold mining, reminding participants that such practices are banned under Liberian law.
Mr. Kwakpe E. Gbakoyah, an analyst at the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) and facilitator of the training, addressed the critical issue of anti-money laundering and its link to illegal mining.
He explained that failure to declare proceeds from natural resource extraction is classified as money laundering and urged participants to comply with national regulations.
“Some miners exploit natural resources without contributing to the country’s economy, which is illegal,” Mr. Gbakoyah stated. “Moreover, the use of children in mining activities and related sexual exploitation is not only unethical but a serious criminal offense under Liberian law.”
The training participants welcomed the initiative, calling it a timely intervention in addressing illegal mining practices.
Mr. Anthony B. Kalyar, River Gee County Inspector at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, praised the program for providing critical insights into mining regulations.
“This training has equipped us with the tools to tackle illegal activities in mining communities,” Mr. Kalyar said. “I intend to share this knowledge with my community to support government’s efforts in enforcing the laws.”
Mr. Marcus Jegbar, Acting Mining Agent of Maryland County, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the training serves as a resource to improve the county’s mining sector.
“This program has provided us with practical strategies to strengthen enforcement and ensure compliance with Liberia’s mining laws,” Mr. Jegbar remarked, expressing gratitude to the supporting organizations and government for the initiative.
The training is part of ongoing efforts to address environmental concerns, promote sustainable mining, and curb illegal practices in Liberia’s mining sector, particularly in rural communities.
