Illegal Mining Under Cestos Bridge Halted as Government Confiscates Five Dredges

Rivercess, Liberia: The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has confiscated five dredges used in illegal mining operations beneath the Cestos River Bridge in Rivercess County following a coordinated enforcement action aimed at protecting the country’s natural resources and critical infrastructure.

The operation, carried out by the Ministry’s Rivercess County Office in collaboration with state security officers and local authorities, came after weeks of surveillance and mounting concerns about the environmental damage and potential structural danger posed by dredging activities along the Cestos River.

Officials said the miners had repeatedly evaded earlier enforcement attempts by fleeing the area in speedboats whenever security teams approached the mining site.

According to Moses Kollie, Mining Agent for the Yarnee Mining District and a professional mining engineer, the illegal dredging operations had begun posing a serious threat to public safety, particularly for motorists and commuters who depend on the Cestos River Bridge.

“For some time now, these dredgers have been threatening the safety of commuters accessing the Cestos River Bridge,” Kollie said. “Whenever enforcement teams attempted to reach the site, the operators would escape using speedboats.”

Authorities said sustained monitoring and coordination with local officials eventually enabled the Ministry to move in and dismantle the operation. During the crackdown, five dredges and other mining equipment were seized, effectively halting the illegal activities.

The confiscated equipment is currently in the custody of the Ministry of Mines and Energy as investigations continue and further regulatory action is being considered.

The operation was led by Rivercess County Mines Officer Lincoln G. Gbelee, working alongside Resident Geologist Oumaru Jabateh and Mining Agent Moses Kollie.

Security support was provided by Rivercess County Commander Elton Goffa of the Liberia National Police, whose officers ensured the safe seizure of the illegal equipment.

Local government authorities in the Yarnee District also assisted in the operation, which aimed to prevent potential structural damage to the Cestos River Bridge.

The enforcement action followed a complaint filed by Resident Geologist Oumaru Jabateh, who reported ongoing dredging activities directly beneath the bridge.

Jabateh warned that removing large volumes of soil from the riverbed could weaken the bridge’s foundation over time and lead to serious structural damage.

“I observed continuous mining activities under the bridge, which raised serious geological concerns,” Jabateh said. “The dredging removes large volumes of soil from beneath the riverbed, and over time this could weaken the structural stability of the bridge.”

He cautioned that if the mining activities were allowed to continue unchecked, erosion beneath the bridge could eventually compromise its foundation and pose a major risk.

The Ministry of Mines and Energy has called on residents in mining communities to report illegal mining activities, particularly those occurring near national infrastructure.

Director of Mines Alwell Aloysius Carr described the operation as a clear warning to individuals engaged in illicit mining across Liberia.

“This clampdown sends a strong message to illegal operators that violations of the Minerals and Mining Law will not be tolerated,” Carr said. “Anyone caught engaging in such unlawful activities will face the full weight of the law.”

Carr added that with the support of the Ministry’s senior management, led by Minister R. Matenokay Tingban, the Bureau of Mines will continue to strengthen enforcement efforts aimed at protecting the environment and promoting responsible mining practices.

Authorities say the Rivercess operation reflects the government’s broader commitment to safeguarding Liberia’s natural resources, enforcing mining regulations, and protecting infrastructure critical to national development.