Through its Compliance Enforcement Team, the Ministry of Mines and Energy has shut down all “illegal mining activities” in the middle of Duogbo Town, Grand Kru County.
The Mines and Energy Ministry’s compliance team said, individuals including Abraham Wesseh, Edisa, SK, and others to be identified, are perpetrators of the ‘illicit mining operations’ in Duogbo Town.
According to a release, the illegal mining was being done without any license, and other legal documents required to have Mineral Right’ as provided for by Law.
“While small scale miners’ use of earth-moving equipment or excavators is prohibited, the Ministry of Mines and Energy discovered that those involved with the illicit mining operations in Duogbo Town are using six mini jaw crushers (local miners) otherwise referred to as ‘Katakata’ machines,” the release said. The Compliance Enforcement Team gathered that this bad mining practice taking place in the middle of a town was receiving the backing of local leaders, and other influential townspeople in exchange for mineral-gravel and other gifts from the illicit miners.
The illicit Miners, according to the compliance team, have ignored several Closure Orders mandating a halt to their illegal operations. The Ministry’s compliance team reports that all of those involved with the illegal mining in Duogbo Town fled the area upon their arrival in the town, and that the Compliance Enforcement Team received no cooperation from the Mining Chairman, Brokers, and Dealers associated with mineral activities in Duogbo Town and surrounding areas.
Besides shutting down the illegal mining activities, the release said, the ministry has confiscated all contraband equipment belonging to the illicit miners and cautioned against violating the government’s mandate to discontinue mining in the residential area [Duogbo Town].