Green Media Campaigners, a civil society organization, has renewed its call for the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) to take decisive legal action against companies engaged in illegal mining in Liberia. The group’s latest plea comes after an enforcement operation in Belle Yalla, Gbarpolu County, where the MME targeted and shut down operations of Randall and Oretha Doe Multi-Purpose Company, which is accused of engaging in illicit mining activities.
The Ministry’s raid resulted in the arrest of two Chinese nationals, who were taken into custody with the assistance of state security agencies, and the confiscation of key mining equipment, including excavators. However, Green Media Campaigners insists that shutting down illegal mining sites is only part of the solution. The group is calling for the prosecution of the implicated companies, Randall and Oretha Doe Multi-Purpose Company and Rhode Mining Incorporated, to ensure that they face legal consequences for their actions.
Steve Doito, the Lead Campaigner for Green Media Campaigners in statement issued on Friday, March 28, 2025, welcomed the Ministry’s enforcement operation but stressed that without legal action, the fight against illegal mining will remain incomplete. “Shutting down illegal mining sites is only half the battle. The Ministry must ensure that Randall and Oretha Doe Multi-Purpose Company and Rhode Mining Incorporated are prosecuted in court. If these violators walk free, illegal mining will continue to thrive, devastating our environment and robbing Liberia of its resources,” Doito said.
The organization highlighted the severe environmental and economic consequences of illegal mining, including widespread pollution of water sources, deforestation, and health risks to local communities. The illegal activities also contribute to significant revenue losses for the government, undermining Liberia’s broader development efforts. Green Media Campaigners warns that if these violations remain unpunished, Liberia will suffer long-term environmental damage, which could affect future generations.
“Our rivers and forests are being destroyed, and livelihoods endangered. If these violations go unpunished, Liberia will suffer long-term environmental damage that future generations will pay for,” the CSO group stated in their press release.
Green Media Campaigners is calling on the Ministry of Mines and Energy to stay committed to its enforcement efforts and set a strong legal precedent that illegal mining will not be tolerated in the country. “They have taken action, now they must follow through with prosecution. Anything less would send the wrong message to other illegal operators,” the group emphasized.
The civil society group also reaffirmed its dedication to raising awareness about the issue and holding both companies and government institutions accountable. In their appeal, they urged other civil society organizations, citizens, and policymakers to join forces in protecting Liberia’s natural resources from unlawful exploitation.
