By: Saidu Jalloh
The Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) has responded swiftly to a viral video showing local miners carrying out illegal mining activities along the exposed riverbed of the Rokel River during the temporary closure of the weirs for maintenance.
According to preliminary findings by the Agency, artisanal mining activities along sections of the riverbed have historically occurred during periods when water levels are lowered for dam maintenance. However, the EPA noted that this year’s activities raised serious concerns following reports that excavators were being used, significantly increasing the scale of operations and the potential environmental impact.
The Agency disclosed that its Northern Region Team conducted a raid earlier this week in response to the incident. During the operation, several mining-related water pumps were destroyed, while an excavator operator was arrested and handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Mena Police Station in Makeni for further investigation.
EPA-SL further revealed that it had engaged the Paramount Chief and a Section Chief, who also serves as the area’s Mining Chairman, regarding the issue. According to the Agency, the Paramount Chief informed officials that community-level measures had already been introduced, including the establishment of a joint patrol team comprising personnel from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and the Sierra Leone Police.
The Agency observed that the local enforcement initiative appeared to have reduced the presence of excavators in the affected area during its follow-up visit.
Describing riverbed mining as a major environmental threat, particularly when heavy machinery is involved, the EPA warned that such activities along the Rokel River could disrupt aquatic ecosystems, increase sedimentation, alter the natural flow of the river, undermine energy supply systems, and threaten communities that depend on the river for water and livelihoods.
The Agency assured the public that it would continue to closely monitor the situation and implement appropriate regulatory and enforcement measures where necessary.
EPA-SL also encouraged members of the public to support environmental protection efforts by reporting environmental violations and related incidents across the country.