The Government of Liberia has arrested nearly a dozen people, including the female town chief of Gonelor Town in Grand Cape Mount County, during an operation targeting illegal dredge mining.
The arrests were made by the Presidential Task Force, known as the Protect Our Resources Task Force (PORT), following reports of unauthorized mining activities in the area and an earlier enforcement operation by the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
According to a news release issued on October 31, 2026, the latest operation was intended to reinforce the Ministry’s efforts to stop illegal mineral extraction and investigate violations of Liberia’s Minerals and Mining Law.
The Ministry’s initial enforcement exercise was conducted in mid-October by Grand Cape Mount County Mine Officer Flomo Gamah and Regional Coordinator Sylvester G. Mulbah. However, the operation reportedly turned violent when some residents attacked members of the enforcement team, destroying government vehicles, confiscating a motorbike and seizing communication devices belonging to the officials.
Following the incident, PORT, headed by Colonel Abraham Kromah, moved into Gonelor Town, where it confirmed the presence of illegal mining operators, arrested nearly a dozen suspects and confiscated equipment allegedly used in unauthorized dredging activities.
The suspects, including the town chief, are undergoing investigation to establish their alleged involvement and determine how they obtained access to mining operations without the required authorization and mineral rights.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with personnel of the Ministry of Mines and Energy as the government steps up efforts to protect the country’s mineral resources.
Speaking on the intervention, PORT Chairman Colonel Abraham Kromah described the operation as “a tip of the iceberg,” indicating that the task force intends to expand its enforcement activities across the country.
Kromah said the task force was prepared to confront illegal mining activities under its nationwide mandate, backed by Executive Order No. 167.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy welcomed the intervention and warned that illegal dredging, unauthorized mineral extraction and other violations of the country’s mining laws would not be tolerated.
It said it would continue compliance monitoring and work with security agencies to take action against individuals and businesses operating outside the country’s mining regulations.
The Ministry also called on residents of mining communities, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to cooperate with government authorities and avoid obstructing lawful enforcement operations.
Liberia has continued to face concerns over unauthorized mining activities and the protection of its natural resources, with the latest operation in Grand Cape Mount adding to the government’s efforts to enforce mining regulations.
The Ministry maintained that protecting the country’s mineral resources is a responsibility shared by the government and the public.
