In a recent meeting, Liberia’s Mines and Energy Minister, Wilmot Paye, expressed significant concern over the illegal exploitation of the country’s mineral resources by foreign entities, aided by local mining cooperatives. He addressed roughly 19 of these cooperatives, urging them to sever ties with foreign partners who are believed to be compromising Liberia’s economic growth. Minister Paye highlighted that local miners are often engaging in illicit activities, which not only violate national laws but also hinder the overall economic advancement of their communities. He pointed out that the collaboration with unscrupulous foreigners undermines the potential for local empowerment and development, leading many Liberians to paradoxically relinquish their resources while expecting positive returns.
During his address, Minister Paye stressed the need for accountability and transparency among the cooperatives, particularly those involved in Class ‘B’ and ‘C’ mining license categories. He indicated that local individuals often provide access and security to foreign miners in exchange for various incentives, contributing to a systemic issue where resources are exploited without due benefit to the local population. The Minister criticized this cycle of dependency and urged cooperative members to reconsider their actions, which he believes are damaging both to their communities and to the nation at large. He emphasized that the current practices must change if Liberians expect to receive meaningful benefits from their natural resources.
To combat these issues, the Ministry has initiated a program to authenticate the licensing of all cooperative members, stating that he aims to cross-check each mining license’s legitimacy. This re-profiling effort is a key component of Minister Paye’s broader agenda to promote a sustainable and vibrant mining sector in Liberia. He underscored his administration’s commitment to working closely with local miners to create an environment conducive for operational growth. By taking these steps, the Ministry seeks to ensure that every miner, regardless of location, has access to the necessary resources and support to operate legally and profitably.
Moreover, Minister Paye articulated plans to improve the accessibility of Ministry services by establishing county offices tasked with various responsibilities, including license renewals and dispute resolutions. He assured the cooperatives that the Ministry would facilitate mobility for personnel in these offices using motorbikes, vehicles, and pertinent equipment. This will ensure that miners receive prompt support, thereby enhancing operational capacities and ensuring compliance with legal standards. The Minister’s engagement aims to empower local miners and make them less reliant on problematic foreign entities.
The cooperative members voiced urgent concerns about their operational difficulties, including requests for the government to allow the use of earth-moving equipment such as excavators to aid their mining operations. They recounted the adverse effects of illegal mining activities, particularly the encroachment into protected areas like Sarpo National Park. Illegal miners not only breach local laws but also create economic distress for legitimate cooperatives by luring away labor with higher recompenses and immediate incentives, making it increasingly challenging for local miners to sustain their livelihoods. The cooperatives expressed a strong desire for a regulatory framework that allows them to utilize heavy machinery while competing equitably against foreign operations that often violate agreements with local authorities.
Attendees at the event included various levels of ministry officials and representatives from organizations such as GIZ and the Cooperative Development Agency, all witnessing the dynamic discussions. Their presence underscores the collective interest in reforming and regulating Liberia’s mining sector effectively. The Ministry of Mines and Energy pledged to address the pressing concerns raised during this meeting, with the aim of rectifying the current plight faced by mining cooperatives. By fostering a more collaborative approach and implementing necessary regulatory measures, Minister Paye aspires to restore fairness and sustainability within Liberia’s mining demographic while ensuring that local miners can thrive alongside their foreign counterparts.
