Gbarpolu Superintendent Sam K. Zinnah has called for a serious reconsideration of Liberia’s mining laws, particularly highlighting the issue of an unjust 3 percent royalty fee imposed on the extraction of the country’s valuable resources.
Illicit Miners Bribe Local Officials to Mine in River Cess
River Cess officials have received L$650,000 (US$3,250) in bribes and gratuities from illegal miners operating in the south-central county. The situation is a typical example of how local and county officials meddle in mining administration—a major challenge in the mining sector for decades.
Barclayville Residents Call for Action Against Illegal Gold Miners on Nu River
Barclayville residents are drawing attention to Illegal mining activities occurring on the Nu River, which they say violates city regulations and a nationwide ban on the use of dredges.
Murder, Torture, and Rape: The Crimes on River Cess’ Mines
Built in remote places with no presence of county authorities and law enforcement officers and plagued by crimes, including prostitution, and illegal drug smuggling, many artisanal mines in River Cess run quasi governments to maintain law and order.
Mining Agents, Inspectors Receive Training in Smart Mining Techniques
More than 60 agents and inspectors in the mining sector have received training in smart mining techniques by the Liberia Forest Sector Project.
Miners Drive River Cess Fishing Town into Poverty
Fifty-two-year-old Churchemah Wesseh says her grandson died from malaria last year because she could not afford to pay the hospital bills in time. A fisherwoman for more than 30 years, the single mother of six hardly makes ends meet these days. Her catch has declined, and the little money she generates is not sufficient to feed her family.