The man responsible for watching over Liberia’s Minerals and Mining Laws, Joshua Obediah Arku, says, with the requisite budgetary allocation, the mining sector will make more significant contributions to the national budget.
Updating the public on his stewardship of the Country’s Inspectorate Division, the professional Geologist averred that production of mining licenses, and the energy Ministry ensuring strict compliance with the terms and conditions of those licenses by Miners in the field greatly generates revenue for the Country. The Mines Chief Inspector further disclosed that mineral resources are already making a big impact on the Liberian government’s capacity to service national development priorities, which he noted has the potential to be scaled up with the needed level of support through the budget process.
While recognizing current efforts of Legislators at the Capitol, Mr. Arku thanked his Boss, the Minister of Mines and Energy, Gesler E. Murray, for continuously making the Ministry’s case during budget hearings. He appealed to the Lawmakers to give strong consideration to the Mines and Energy Ministry’s plea in order to fully capacitate the Ministry with the needed equipment to strengthen revenue generation through robust inspection operations.
Mr. Arku has at the same time, divulged that his Division has outlined series of reforms that include more trainings of mineral inspectors, residents of mining towns and villages, as well as advocating for other donors to join hands with GIZ, a German NGO, to provide funding assistance and technical support to the Mines and Energy Ministry. He concluded by giving special commendation to Miners who are in compliance with timely renewal of their mining licenses, and in the same vein, frowned at unscrupulous individuals for hiding under the cover of darkness to carry out illicit and illegal activities. He warned that prosecution awaits perpetuators through the justice system.
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