In a sweeping operation spanning from February 21st to March 6th, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) led a coordinated effort to dismantle illegal dredge mining operations across the nation’s rivers and waterways.
Spearheaded by top officials from various departments, including Field Operations, Legal Compliance, and Enforcement, as well as regional security forces, the operation targeted numerous locations notorious for unauthorized mining activities.
The EPA’s investigation pinpointed multiple sites, including the Moa River in Jagbema village, the Sewa River in various locations, the Kangari forest reserve in Baomahun, and several others, where illegal dredge mining posed severe threats to the environment. This illicit practice, often involving the use of mercury, has wreaked havoc on ecosystems, altered natural flow patterns, caused erosion, and contaminated water bodies with toxic substances, endangering both aquatic life and human health.
Despite repeated warnings and the refusal to issue Environmental Impact Assessment Licenses, illegal miners persisted in their destructive activities.
In response, the EPA, in accordance with the EPA Act of 2022 and a Presidential Directive from June 9th, 2021, took decisive action. Over 70 dredge machines were destroyed, and individuals involved in illegal mining were apprehended and handed over to law enforcement for further investigation and prosecution.
Throughout the operation, the EPA collaborated closely with regional police headquarters, emphasized the importance of community engagement, and conducted outreach activities to raise awareness about the harmful effects of chemical abuse and illegal mining practices.
Recognizing the critical need to protect the nation’s rivers and environment for present and future generations, the EPA reiterated its commitment to enforcing stringent regulations and engaging communities to combat dredging and illicit mining activities, ensuring a sustainable future for all.
