By Bill W. Cooper
The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has shut down all illegal mining activities conducted by Rhode Mining Incorporated in Needonwin Town, Gbi and Doru District, Lower Nimba County, as well as in Central Rivercess.
This operation, however, underscores the government’s commitment to regulating the mining sector and ensuring that all companies adhere to established legal frameworks, including the Minerals and Mining Law of 2000.
The crackdown on Rhode Mining Incorporated, which has been accused of operating without the necessary permits and licenses, was initiated following numerous complaints from local communities and environmental watchdogs.
According to the Ministry, it was discovered that Rhode Mining Incorporated violated the terms and conditions of its exploration license by carrying out illicit mining following assessments done by a technical team from the MME, which began in early March 2025.
The Ministry also reported that through a rigorous enforcement effort led by the Inspectorate Division and the Bureau of Mines, with support from state security agencies, all mining installations set up by Rhode Mining Incorporated have been ordered closed.
Mining equipment, including washing plants, generators, supreme gold carpets, field water pumps, and hoses, among other contraband items belonging to the company, have also been confiscated.
The Ministry maintained that the shutdown of Rhode Mining Incorporated is part of a broader initiative by the government of President Joseph Boakai to strengthen regulatory oversight in the mining sector.
The Ministry has, at the same time, pledged to increase monitoring and enforcement efforts, which include conducting regular inspections and engaging with local communities to ensure that all mining companies operate within the legal framework.
Meanwhile, local leaders in Gbi and Doru District have welcomed the government’s intervention, expressing hope that it would serve as a precedent for other companies operating illegally in their communities.
They maintained, “We have been suffering for too long from the consequences of illegal mining, and we are grateful to the Ministry of Mines and Energy for taking this step, and we hope it will lead to a more responsible approach to mining in our community.”
As Liberia continues to struggle with the challenges of illegal mining, the government’s actions further signal a renewed commitment to sustainable resource management and the protection of the environment.
The Ministry, under the leadership of Minister Wilmot Paye, has since cautioned all mining companies to adhere to the regulations governing exploration and mining activities, warning that failure to comply will result in penalties, including the revocation of licenses and permits.
The shutdown of Rhode Mining Incorporated now serves as a reminder of Minister Paye’s quest for responsible mining practices and the need for collaboration between the government, mining companies, and local communities, ensuring Liberia’s rich mineral resources benefit Liberians.
