MONROVIA – The President of the Liberia Chamber of Mines, Amara Kamara, has welcomed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s issuance of Executive Order No. 167, describing it as a bold and timely intervention aimed at tackling the growing challenge of illicit mining across Liberia.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
In a press statement issued in Monrovia, Mr. Kamara said the Executive Order establishing the National Task Force to Combat Illicit Mining Activities demonstrates the Government’s commitment to protecting Liberia’s mineral wealth, strengthening the rule of law, and creating a more transparent and sustainable mining industry capable of attracting responsible investment.
According to the Chamber President, illegal mining continues to pose one of the greatest threats to Liberia’s extractive sector, depriving the Government of significant revenues while discouraging legitimate investors who seek a stable and well-regulated business environment. He noted that without decisive intervention, illicit mining could continue to undermine national development efforts and weaken confidence in Liberia’s mining sector.
“Executive Order No. 167 sends a strong message that Liberia is serious about protecting its mineral resources and ensuring that the mining sector operates within the framework of the law,” Mr. Kamara said. “This is an important milestone that deserves the support of every stakeholder committed to the country’s economic transformation.”
Mr. Kamara further observed that the consequences of illicit mining extend beyond lost government revenues, warning that the practice continues to damage forests, pollute rivers and streams, destroy agricultural lands, and expose mining communities to increasing social and environmental challenges.
“The impact of illicit mining reaches far beyond the mines themselves,” he stated. “Entire communities suffer when water sources become contaminated, productive farmland is destroyed, and young people abandon education in search of quick financial gains that ultimately provide no long-term security.”
The Liberia Chamber of Mines emphasized that it has consistently advocated stronger enforcement measures against illegal mining activities and therefore considers the establishment of the National Task Force a significant step toward restoring accountability and responsible governance within Liberia’s mining industry.
Mr. Kamara also praised the Government for recognizing that illicit mining is not solely an industry issue but a national development challenge requiring collaboration among government institutions, licensed mining companies, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, development partners, and local communities.
“The fight against illicit mining cannot be won by government alone,” he said. “Success will depend on genuine cooperation among all stakeholders who share the responsibility of safeguarding Liberia’s natural resources for future generations.”
The Chamber President reaffirmed the institution’s readiness to work closely with the newly established National Task Force, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and other relevant agencies to ensure the effective implementation of Executive Order No. 167.
He said stronger law enforcement must be complemented by sustained public education campaigns and increased community engagement to encourage compliance with Liberia’s mining laws while promoting responsible mineral development throughout the country.
Mr. Kamara further called for greater investment in formalizing small-scale mining activities, noting that providing legal opportunities for artisanal miners would reduce illegal operations while improving livelihoods and increasing government revenue collection.
“We must create an environment where responsible mining becomes more attractive than illegal mining,” he said. “When communities benefit from lawful mining operations through employment, infrastructure, and social development, they become active partners in protecting Liberia’s mineral resources.”
He added that the Chamber remains committed to supporting policies that encourage transparency, attract credible investors, create decent employment opportunities, and ensure that Liberia’s mineral wealth contributes meaningfully to national prosperity.
“As the voice of Liberia’s mining industry, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to working alongside government and all stakeholders to build a mining sector founded on integrity, accountability, transparency, and sustainable development,” Mr. Kamara concluded. “Together, we can eliminate illicit mining and ensure that Liberia’s abundant mineral resources become a lasting source of prosperity for all Liberians.”
