Residents Advised To Stop Beach-Sand Mining

Monday, June 23, 2023

The Ministry of Mines and Energy has issued a strong notice to residents of Trench Town, Coconut Plantation Community in Central Monrovia, urging them to immediately stop all forms of beach-sand mining activities. During a community engagement and awareness meeting held on Friday, June 20, 2025, the Inspector-General of Mines, Agatius Coker, emphasized the urgent need to end beach-sand mining in Liberia, citing its devastating impact on the environment and coastal stability. He described the practice as not only illegal, but stressed that the act is also a direct threat to the sustainability of the country’s natural resources and the safety of coastal communities. “Beach mining accelerates coastal erosion, disrupts marine ecosystems, and weakens our natural defenses against climate change,” IG Coker told the gathered residents. “We are not here just to enforce the law, but to build partnerships with communities in protecting our shared environment.”

The awareness session brought together local leaders, youth, women’s groups, and elders from not only Trench Town, but other communities in the Coconut Plantation area, many of whom expressed growing concerns about the erosion affecting their homes and livelihoods. While residents acknowledged the ministry’s efforts, they called for stronger enforcement measures and sustained presence to curb mining of beach-sand. “We understand how harmful this practice is,” said one resident. “But we need the Ministry to work closely with us, to monitor and ensure those who continue to take away sand from the beaches for construction and commercial purposes are stopped and violators should be made to face the law.” ‎ ‎

The Inspector-General’s interaction with the Trench Town residents on Friday follows series of enforcement operations he spearheaded during the week in several communities located along beaches in Monrovia. On every leg of his operations, residents were discouraged from using beach-sand for production of bricks for sale and construction of homes. The Inspector-General for Mines then encouraged the beach-side residents to get involved with alternative livelihood activities and help save the environment by staying away from mining of sand along the beaches. His enforcement team included senior Inspectors, Prince Mambu, Emile Bengu, Joseph Blama, and Lawrence Okyne.