In a decisive move against illicit mining activities, authorities apprehended one Sierra Leonean and two Chinese nationals in Darakuru Village, Koinadugu District, on December 6, 2023.
The trio, engaged in illegal mining, lacked the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) License, a violation of Section 24(1) of the 2022 Environment Protection Agency’s Act.
Investigations revealed that the suspects had conducted unauthorized gold mining in the area for several months without the requisite EIA License.
Subsequently, they were turned over to the Criminal Investigations Department at Mena Police Station in Makeni for further inquiry.
In accordance with Section 17 (3) (a) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone Act No.6 of 1991, environmental crimes are considered severe offenses. The suspects are presently under police custody pending the investigation’s outcome.
The Environment Protection Agency reiterates its unwavering commitment to upholding environmental laws and safeguarding the nation’s ecological integrity.
