Parties involved in ongoing mining dispute in Ben-Ben Town, Mount Coffee Township, Montserrado County, have been urged to redirect their focus to peaceful coexistence, tolerance and respect for the rule of law, if the Ministry of Mines and Energy should reconsider its decision to lift the ban on mining activities in the area.
It can be recalled In November, last year, Minister Wilmot Paye’s administration placed a stay-order on all mining activities in Ben-Ben Town when the Ministry independently verified reports that civil disobedience in the town have heightened, leading to damage of properties and the death of one person.
Speaking during the weekend, the Inspector-General of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Agatius Coker, who formed part of a mass meeting called by District #1 Representative, Rukie Barry, told the gathering that the moratorium on mining operations in the town remains in full force.
Mr. Coker said, the tensions will potentially escalate if issues that necessitated the conflicts were not properly addressed.
He called on the townspeople, and those involved with mining activities in the area to amicably resolve their differences and restore calm to the town.
Mr. Coker noted that when this is done, the Ministry will review the possibility of lifting the ban. He disclosed that whilst the moratorium is being observed by Mineral Inspectors and State Security agencies, any facts indicating violation by any individual will not be condoned.
According to the Mines IG, the Ministry is interested in the full participation of all Liberians in their Country’s mining sector, but said such privilege must be done in accordance with laid down processes and procedures provided by the Minerals and Mining Law, and regulations.
Assistant Minister for Administration, Cooper Paasewe, and Mining Agent, Henry Yates, formed part of the Ministry of Mines and Energy delegation that attended the weekend meeting convened by Representative Rukie Barry, and the leadership of Mount Coffee Township.
Aat the same time, Local government officials including Commissioner Elijah K. George, graced the assembly aiming to restore peace and harmony to Ben-Ben Town.
