By: Emmanuel Tobotinho Quiah
The General Town Chief of Gbaken Community in Karluway District, Maryland County, has raised serious concerns over the growing number of abandoned mining pits in and around the community, warning that the sites could result in serious injuries or loss of life.
Chief Johnson Pokolo made the disclosure during an interview on August 8, 2026, as he called on mining companies, individual miners, and relevant government authorities to take immediate steps to address the dangers created by abandoned mining sites.
According to Chief Pokolo, several companies and individuals involved in mining activities have reportedly left behind open pits after extracting minerals, without properly filling or restoring the excavated areas.
He said the situation has created a significant safety risk for residents, particularly children who may not understand the dangers associated with abandoned mining areas.
“After extracting the minerals, many of the miners simply leave the pits open and move on. These abandoned pits are dangerous because children can unknowingly fall into them while playing or walking through the bush,” Chief Pokolo said.
The town chief explained that the danger has become more difficult to detect because some of the abandoned pits have been covered by thick vegetation.
He said residents, especially children and people unfamiliar with the locations of the former mining sites, could easily mistake the overgrown areas for ordinary portions of the bush.
Chief Pokolo further warned that the situation could become even more dangerous during the rainy season, when abandoned pits can collect large amounts of water and become hidden beneath vegetation or muddy surfaces.
“These pits are sometimes no longer visible because of the bushes growing around them. During the rainy season, water fills them, making it difficult for anyone to know how deep they are,” he explained.
Beyond the immediate threat to human safety, Chief Pokolo said the abandoned mining sites could also have lasting environmental consequences if they are not properly rehabilitated.
He stressed that mining operators should not consider their responsibility finished once minerals have been extracted, arguing that land restoration should be an essential part of mining activities.
The community leader called on mining companies and individual miners operating in Gbaken and surrounding communities to return to abandoned sites and properly close or rehabilitate the pits.
He also urged local authorities and relevant government agencies to strengthen monitoring of mining activities and ensure that operators comply with environmental and safety requirements.
Chief Pokolo said urgent intervention is necessary to prevent a possible tragedy, particularly as residents continue to move through areas where abandoned mining pits are reportedly scattered.
He emphasized that leaving dangerous excavations unattended could expose not only current residents but also future generations to unnecessary risks.
The Gbaken town chief therefore appealed for coordinated action involving community leaders, mining operators, local authorities, and national government institutions to identify abandoned pits, secure the sites, and ensure that affected land is properly restored.
He maintained that protecting lives should remain a priority alongside efforts to benefit from Liberia’s mineral resources.
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