09/10/2026
PORT Chief Warns of Illegal Mining, Revenue Losses, and Environmental Destruction in Liberia
TUBMANBURG, BOMI COUNTY, LIBERIA —
🇱🇷 October 9, 2026
Col. Abraham S. Kromah, head of the Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT), has warned that illegal mining, mineral smuggling, and environmental degradation are costing Liberia millions of dollars in potential revenue while threatening communities and the country's natural resources.
Speaking at the Government of Liberia's Town Hall Meeting in Tubmanburg, Bomi County, on Friday, Col. Kromah said PORT was established to strengthen the enforcement of mining and environmental laws, curb illicit activities, and improve national revenue generation.
He explained that the taskforce would collaborate with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the
Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), the Liberia National Police (LNP), and the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to combat illegal activities across the country's natural resource sectors.
According to Col. Kromah, PORT has spent approximately three months gathering intelligence and identifying locations suspected of hosting illegal mining operations.
He said planned enforcement activities would include intelligence-driven investigations, risk-based inspections, the identification of illegal mining hotspots, and the seizure of equipment and facilities linked to unlawful operations.
Suspected offenders would be referred for prosecution in accordance with the law.
Millions in Potential Revenue at Risk
Col. Kromah cited estimates suggesting that between 70 and 90 percent of Liberia's gold production may go undocumented, potentially costing the country between US$150 million and US$450 million annually.
He also referenced figures indicating that approximately US$2.7 billion in gold and iron ore exports went unreported between 2007 and 2023.
The PORT chief argued that these alleged reporting and taxation gaps deprive the government of revenue that could otherwise support public services, infrastructure, and national development.
However, the figures cited during the presentation were not independently verified at the town hall meeting.
Environmental Destruction Raises Concerns
Beyond revenue losses, Col. Kromah expressed concern about the environmental consequences of illegal mining, particularly the destruction of forest reserves, pollution of waterways, and the use of harmful chemicals in mineral extraction.
He said the taskforce had identified an estimated 485 illegal heavy machinery operations across sensitive areas, including forest zones and protected reserves. He also pointed to suspected unauthorized mining activities in locations requiring further investigation.
Col. Kromah warned that poorly regulated mining practices could expose surrounding communities to environmental hazards and public health risks.
He stressed that protecting Liberia's natural resources must go hand in hand with safeguarding the health, livelihoods, and well-being of citizens.
Government Eyes Alternative Livelihoods for Young People while emphasizing the need for enforcement, Col. Kromah said PORT would not focus solely on removing illegal miners. The taskforce would also explore opportunities to help affected individuals transition into lawful economic activities.
He explained that the government recognizes the dependence of many young people on informal mining for their livelihoods and wants to create alternatives while ensuring that mineral resources are extracted, transported, and traded through legally recognized channels.
The initiative, he added, is intended to balance law enforcement with economic opportunities for communities that depend on natural resource activities.
Taskforce to Expand Beyond Mining
Col. Kromah further disclosed that PORT's mandate extends beyond the mining sector, with future operations expected to address other natural resource industries, including forestry and fisheries.
He credited President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's administration with establishing the taskforce to reinforce existing institutions responsible for natural resource management and strengthen enforcement of relevant laws.
The PORT chief concluded by calling for stronger cooperation among government agencies, local authorities, and communities to combat illegal resource extraction, protect the environment, and ensure that Liberia's natural wealth contributes meaningfully to national development.
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