By Alexander Nyeneken
September 18, 2026
The Head of the Protect Our Resources Taskforce, Col. Abraham Kromah has disclosed that Liberia could be losing up to US$1.6 billion annually through illegal mining and mineral smuggling.
Kromah said illegal mining is depriving the government of much-needed revenue while inflicting serious damage on the country’s natural environment.
Speaking on the ongoing efforts to address illegal mining, he cited the destruction of farmlands, forests and waterways among the major environmental consequences of unauthorized mining activities.
According to Kromah, the taskforce has so far identified 485 excavators in Grand Cape Mount County as part of its efforts to track and curb illegal mining operations.
He said the taskforce has also conducted operations across six regions of the country, using drones to monitor mining activities, particularly in remote and difficult-to-access areas.
The Protect Our Resources Taskforce was established in June through an executive order with a mandate to investigate illegal mining activities, confiscate equipment, support arrests and prosecutions, and work with security and environmental agencies to enforce Liberia’s mining laws.
Kromah, however, acknowledged that limited funding remains a major challenge for the taskforce as it seeks to expand its operations and strengthen enforcement nationwide.
He said sustained support and coordination among relevant government institutions will be necessary to effectively address illegal mining, protect Liberia’s natural resources and ensure that the country benefits from its mineral wealth.
