The Environment Protection Agency (EPA-SL) has swiftly responded to a viral video showing local miners mining along the riverbed of the Rokel River during the weirs’ temporary closure for maintenance

Preliminary findings reveal that artisanal mining activities along certain sections of the exposed riverbed have a history of taking place during dam maintenance periods when water levels are lowered. However, this year’s actions raised serious concerns, as reports indicated the use of excavators, which significantly expanded the scope of operations and potential environmental consequences.

In response, the EPA’s Northern Region Team conducted a raid earlier this week. Several mining-related water pumps were destroyed during this operation, and an excavator operator was detained and handed over to the CID at Makeni’s Mena Police Station for further investigation.

The agency also contacted the paramount chief and a section chief who is the area’s mining chairman. The #PC informed the EPA about the measures already taken at the community level, including forming a joint patrol team made up of personnel from the #RSLAF and the Sierra Leone Police. This local enforcement effort seems to have led to a noticeable reduction in excavator presence during the EPA’s follow-up visit.

The EPA considers riverbed mining, especially when heavy machinery is involved, a serious environmental issue. Such activities along the Rokel River can disrupt the river system, harm aquatic habitats, increase sedimentation, alter water flow, undercut energy supply, and pose a threat to communities relying on the river for water and livelihoods.

The Agency will closely monitor the situation and provide updates on any necessary regulatory and enforcement actions.
Members of the public are encouraged to aid environmental protection by reporting this incident or any other environmental violations nationwide.
Please reach out to the EPA’s toll-free line 1999 using any orange line.
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#stopillegaldredgemining