MONROVIA – The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities, leading to the arrest of two Chinese nationals in Belle Yalla, Gbarpolu County.
The arrests were made with the assistance of state security agencies during an enforcement mission led by the Inspectorate Division and the Bureau of Mines. This action follows a similar move by the Ministry last week against Rhode Mining Incorporated in Nimba and Rivercess Counties.
Mining Agent Daniel Mooney, representing the Ministry in Belle Mining District, confirmed that the two Chinese nationals were working for the Randall and Oretha Doe Multi-Purpose Company. Deputy Inspector-General Adolphus Gleekia and Director of Mines Alwell Aloysius Carr, who led the enforcement team, reported that keys to earthmoving equipment, including excavators and other vehicles used in the illegal operations, were confiscated. Various mining equipment was also seized and placed in government custody.
According to Director Carr, Randall and Oretha Doe Multi-Purpose Company will face legal consequences following an investigation into their illicit mining activities in Belle Yalla, Gbarpolu County.
In a broader effort to ensure compliance with the Minerals and Mining Law of 2000 and the Regulations Governing Exploration, the Ministry has also shut down all illegal mining activities of Rhode Mining Incorporated in Needonwin Town, Gbi and Doru District, Lower Nimba County, and Central Rivercess.
A technical team from the Ministry, which conducted assessments beginning in early March 2025, discovered that Rhode Mining Incorporated violated the terms of its exploration license by engaging in illicit mining.
Through a rigorous enforcement operation led by the Inspectorate Division and the Bureau of Mines, and supported by state security agencies, all unauthorized mining installations set up by Rhode Mining Incorporated have been ordered closed. Additionally, mining equipment, including washing plants, generators, supreme gold carpets, field water pumps, hoses, and other contraband materials, has been confiscated.
