The mining industry of Liberia has witnessed a revival after the civil war which ended in 2003. Gold, diamonds, and iron ore form the core minerals of the mining sector with a new Mineral Development Policy and Mining Code being put in place to attract foreign investments. In 2013, the mineral sector accounted for 11% of GDP in the country and the World Bank has projected a further increase in the sector by 2017.
Mining sector is considered the prime mover for the economic growth of the country and its exploitation has to be appropriately balanced with sustainable environmental preservation of its rich biodiversity. Apart from iron ore extractions, cement, diamond, gold, and petroleum resources have also been given due importance to enrich the economy of the country.
However, there have been tonnes of incidents at the mine which has created a sense of fear amongst the locals in Liberia.
The collapse of a mine in western Liberia has killed an unknown number of miners, Assistant Minister for Mines Emmanuel Swen told us on Tuesday.
Swen said he did not yet know the number of casualties at the artisanal mine in Liberia’s western mining hub.
