The Minister of Mines and Energy Gesler Murray has for the first time reacted to reports that the Ministry is giving out mining licenses to miners in Protected Areas across the Country.
The Minister of Mines and Energy Gesler Murray says the Ministry had never granted license to any miners to operate in protected areas.
Minister Murray said the Ministry respects laws establishing and governing protected areas across the Country.
His statement is in reaction to the recent dredge mining in the Gola Forest National Park.
Minister Murray said the Ministry along with the Joint Security have launched an operation seizing mining dredge and removing miners from Protected Areas including the Gola Forest National Park.
He recognized that illicit mining is a contributing factor to prostitution, drug addiction and illicit financial flow, among others.
Speaking Tuesday on the sideline of program marking the granting of licenses to the LEC, Minister Murray said the ban placed on the use of dredge in the Country remains in forced.
He disclosed plans by the Ministry to train Artisanal and small skill miners in smart mining practices to protect the environment.
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