By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia: The Plenary of the Liberian Senate has directed its Joint Committee on Lands & Mines and Internal Affairs to review a proposal requiring sand and rock miners to pay royalties to the Government of Liberia.
The decision follows a request from Grand Kru County Senator Numene T. H. Bartekwa, who emphasized the urgent need for regulation in the sector.
Senator Bartekwa highlighted concerns that Liberia’s sand and rock resources are being exploited with minimal benefit to the government or local communities.
He pointed out that foreign nationals are obtaining mining licenses and extracting resources without paying royalties, while causing environmental damage and destroying critical infrastructure.
The Senator also expressed concern over the negative impacts on surrounding communities, including pollution, health risks, and road destruction.
The Senate has endorsed a motion to probe the matter and provide recommendations to the plenary.
The move aims to ensure that both the government and affected communities receive fair compensation for the extraction of Liberia’s natural resources.
