Ministry of Mines Seizes 2 Excavators in Gbarpolu, Arrests Chinese Nationals Over Illegal Mining Violations
BY:T Max Vahmie
BOPOLU, GBARPOLU COUNTY — The Ministry of Mines and Energy has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, confiscating two excavators and detaining a group of Chinese nationals in Koringa Mining District during a compliance operation on June 7, 2026.
The operation was conducted by the Ministry’s enforcement team with support from the National Joint Security. Mining Agent Paul Mulbah led the team alongside County Mine Officer Lawrence Gban.
According to the Ministry, the excavators were operating without authorization on a Class ‘C’ mining license area owned by Morris Kaba.
Agent Mulbah said the equipment was being used by illicit miners in direct violation of Liberia’s Minerals and Mining Law.
According to the Ministry, the machines have been impounded and transported to the Liberia National Police depot in Henry Town pending legal proceedings.
The Ministry reiterated its “zero-tolerance policy” against unauthorized mining nationwide.
Investigations during the same compliance exercise revealed that a group of Chinese nationals, reportedly working under Cosmos Mining Company’s Class ‘B’ license, had exhausted the company’s licensed area and were allegedly mining outside the approved concession.
With National Joint Security support, authorities intervened and arrested the individuals.
The suspects are currently in police custody in Bopolu City awaiting further processing and a full investigation.
The Gbarpolu operation forms part of a nationwide inspection and compliance monitoring tour led by Minister of Mines and Energy R. Matenokay Tingban.
The tour is aimed at enforcing adherence to mining laws and regulations across Liberia’s mineral-rich counties.