Authorities at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, have issued a strong notice to residents of Trench Town, Coconut Plantation Community in Central Monrovia to immediately stop all forms of beach-sand mining activities.
according to a release, the Inspector-general of Mines, Agatius Coker, issued the warning to residents on Friday, June 20, 2025, during a community engagement and awareness meeting.
Coker emphasized the urgent need to end beach-sand mining, citing its devastating impact on the environment and coastal stability.
He described the practice as not only illegal, but a direct threat to the sustainability of the country’s natural resources and the safety of coastal communities.
“Beach sand-mining accelerates coastal erosion, disrupts marine ecosystems, and weakens our natural defenses against climate change,” Mr. Coker told the residents.
“We are not here just to enforce the law, but to build partnerships with communities in protecting our shared environment,” he said.
The awareness session brought together local leaders, youth, women’s groups, and elders from nearby catchment communities in the Coconut Plantation, many of whom expressed growing concerns about the erosion affecting their homes and livelihoods.
While residents acknowledged the ministry’s efforts, they called for stronger enforcement measures and sustained presence to curb mining of the beach-sand.
“We understand how harmful this practice is,” said one resident. “But we need the ministry to work closely with us to monitor and ensure those, who continue to take away sand from the beaches are stopped, and violators be made to face the law.”
Coker’s interaction with the locals follows series of enforcement operations he previously spearheaded during the week in several other communities along beaches in Monrovia.
Residents were meanwhile, discouraged from using beach-sand to mold bricks.
Mr. Coker then encouraged the beach-side residents to get involved with alternative livelihood activities to save the environment. www.mme.gov.lr