The Forestry Commission, in collaboration with the military, has arrested 71 individuals engaged in illegal mining within forest reserves.
The team also seized 55 excavators, 3 bulldozers, three pickup trucks, four pump-action rifles, 11 motorbikes and other mining equipment.
Mr Hugh C.A. Brown, the Acting Chief Executive, Forestry Commission, said this in an interview with the media on progress made in the arrest of illegal miners in the forest reserves.
Over the past three weeks, the Commission, with the support of the military, had successfully cleared armed groups and illegal miners from seven of the nine reserves.
He said the arrested illegal miners had been handed over to the police for prosecution.
Mr Brown said previously nine forest reserves were classified as “no-go” zones due to armed gangs blocking access and preventing forest officers from performing their duties.
He acknowledged that the battle against illegal mining was ongoing and that these achievements confirmed the progress being made as steps toward winning the fight against illegal activities.
“The Forestry Commission remains vigilant and is closely monitoring illegal mining hotspots to address emerging issues promptly,” he said.
He assured the public that the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources were fully committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the fight against illegal mining was won.
“Together, we will protect our forests and natural resources for future generations,” he said.
GNA
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