Mines and Energy Ministry Shuts Down Massive Illicit Mining in Grand Kru’s Duogbo City

The Ministry of Mines and Energy has ordered the immediate closure of all mining operations in Duogbo City, Grand Kru County, following confirmation of large-scale illegal mining activities taking place in the middle of the city.

The decision comes after a compliance enforcement team, led by Chief Mining Engineer James Smith, uncovered severe land disturbances caused by heavy earth-moving machines.

Investigators reported that illicit miners had dug pits as deep as 27 and 24 meters, raising fears of serious risks to homes and the main road linking Duogbo to Barclayville.

“Continued mining poses a serious threat to local infrastructure. It could undermine the foundations of houses and the main road leading to Barclayville City,” the compliance team’s report warned.

This is the second closure order issued for Duogbo City this year. The first, earlier in 2025, was largely ignored. To ensure enforcement this time, the latest order was endorsed by Mayor Augustine K. Negba and Youth Vice President Folley Odaba, and state security agencies have been assigned to monitor compliance.

According to the Ministry, some local authorities were found colluding with illicit miners, undermining efforts to safeguard the community.

The Ministry emphasized that the move aims to protect the environment, enforce the Minerals and Mining Law and Exploration Regulations, and hold violators accountable.

“We call on all communities to resist inducements from individuals attempting to establish illegal mining operations. Such activities only destroy land, infrastructure, and livelihoods,” the Ministry cautioned.

Other members of the compliance team included Jerry G. Zaza and Lawrence P. Okyne of the Inspectorate Division, along with Mining Engineer Emmett S. Bono.

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