GBANKONAH, Bong County — Authorities in Bong County have uncovered what they describe as a hazardous and illegal mining operation in the Gbankonah area, resulting in the arrest of several foreign nationals believed to be Burkinabés.
The discovery was made during a recent inspection led by Bong County Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris, County Attorney Jonathan Flomo, Liberia National Police officials and other local stakeholders.
Speaking at a press conference Monday in Gbarnga, Norris said the site appeared to be hastily assembled and was operating under extremely unsafe conditions. She said unknown chemicals were being used in the extraction process — chemicals she warned could pose severe health risks to surrounding communities.
“When we reached there, it was shocking,” Norris said. “The chemicals being used are extremely dangerous. They can paralyze or even kill our people. We cannot continue to let this happen just because someone wants to make quick money.”
Norris criticized the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to attend the site briefing and called for an immediate investigation and strong enforcement action to shut down the operation.
County Attorney Flomo echoed her concerns and confirmed that several pieces of mining equipment — including water pumps and batteries — were seized and are now in police custody. Two individuals, including the alleged ringleader, were arrested during the raid.
“One of the suspects was found with an official passport, which has been confiscated and turned over to the relevant authorities for further investigation,” Flomo said.
He raised concerns about the legitimacy of the foreign nationals’ presence in Liberia. According to immigration records, 12 Burkinabés entered the country legally claiming to be farmers, but Flomo said their activities tell a different story.
“Our findings suggest this was not farming,” he said. “We believe more than 12 individuals are involved, and the scale of this illegal mining operation is far bigger than initially thought.”
Officials expressed alarm over the increasing involvement of foreign nationals in illegal mining, often in collaboration with Liberians — a practice that not only threatens the environment but also deprives the country of significant revenue.
Superintendent Norris and County Attorney Flomo have called for a full investigation by the Liberia National Police, the EPA and other relevant agencies. They also invited members of the press and civil society to visit the site and assess the gravity of the situation for themselves.
“This is about protecting our people and our land,” Norris said. “We are taking this seriously, and we will hold anyone involved accountable.”
This is a developing story. Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are expected.
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