Liberia: EPA Urged to Strengthen Environmental Protection in Liberia's Mining Sector As Tingban Calls for Action

What the report says

Liberia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, R. Matenokay Tingban, called for tougher environmental safeguards in the country’s mining sector, saying stronger oversight is needed to protect communities from harm linked to irresponsible mining. The remarks were reported by The New Republic Liberia and distributed by AllAfrica, based on comments Tingban made at the fourth Government Town Hall Meeting in Tubmanburg City, Bomi County, on Oct. 9, 2026.

According to the report, Tingban said some mining activity is taking place outside established rules and can expose residents to hazardous substances such as mercury. He urged closer cooperation between the government and the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, to enforce environmental regulations, reduce damage to land and water, and ensure that mining supports public health and sustainable development.

Tingban also said a proposal had been sent to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for stronger environmental restoration measures, including rehabilitation escrow accounts for mining companies. Under that approach, operators would reserve money to help restore land after mining ends. The idea is meant to prevent communities from being left with degraded sites and to make companies more accountable for the environmental costs of extraction.

The discussion comes as Liberia continues to rely on mining as a source of revenue and growth, while facing long-running concerns about pollution and land rehabilitation in extractive areas. The town hall focused on the sector’s role in national development and the need to balance economic benefits with environmental protection.