TU Lecturer Urges Sustainable Mining Reforms at National Webinar

WVSTU: A lecturer from William V. S. Tubman University has called for urgent reforms to improve environmental governance in Liberia's artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
Dominic L. Miller made the call while speaking at a national webinar titled "Rivers of Gold: Governing Artisanal Mining and Protecting Liberia's Water Systems," which was organized by Integrity Watch Liberia with support from the Embassy of Ireland. The webinar focused on "The Environmental Impact of Artisanal Small-Scale Mining: Scientific Evidence and Sustainable Approaches to Protect Liberia's Ecosystems" and brought together policymakers, regulators, civil society organizations, and development partners.
In his presentation, Miller emphasized that artisanal mining remains a vital source of livelihood for thousands of Liberians, particularly in rural counties such as Gbarpolu, Rivercess, and Grand Cape Mount. However, he warned that poorly regulated mining activities are increasingly posing serious threats to the country's environment.
He identified key environmental challenges including land degradation, deforestation, water pollution, and sedimentation of rivers. He also highlighted the potential risk of mercury contamination in gold mining, noting that such practices could have long-term consequences for both ecosystems and public health.

"The issue is not whether artisanal mining should exist," Miller said. "It already supports thousands of livelihoods. The real challenge is ensuring that it is managed responsibly so that economic survival today does not undermine environmental sustainability tomorrow."

Miller further pointed to governance gaps within the sector, including weak enforcement of environmental regulations, limited monitoring capacity, and inconsistencies between licensing frameworks and actual mining practices. According to him, licensing alone is insufficient to guarantee compliance or sustainability.

He called for a comprehensive approach to reform, stressing the need to strengthen environmental standards, enforce land reclamation, promote mercury-free mining technologies, and increase community participation in decision-making processes.
The webinar served as a platform for national dialogue on how Liberia can transition toward a more transparent, accountable, and environmentally sustainable mining sector while protecting its water systems and supporting rural livelihoods.

Participants expressed optimism that the discussions would contribute to policy reforms aimed at improving governance and ensuring that the benefits of artisanal mining do not come at the expense of Liberia's natural environment.