-Ministry of Mines and Energy Investigates The Discovery
By Shallon S. Gonlor
DOILAY TOWN, Nimba County, Liberia — A significant gold discovery has sparked an uncontrolled rush in Doilay Town, a small community located approximately 10 kilometers from Tappita City along the Tappita-Zwedru main road in Electoral District #6.
Residents made the discovery on Friday, triggering a frenzied response that has brought the community to a standstill. Men, women, youths, children, and elders have abandoned farming and other daily activities to scour motor roads, roadside areas, and drainage systems in search of the precious metal.
Armed with makeshift tools including pans, buckets, hoes, and shovels, community members are digging and sifting through soil and water in a frantic effort to uncover gold. According to local media outlet Voice of Tappita Online TV, some early discoverers have already sold their finds to purchase motorcycles and other essentials.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Mines and Energy has dispatched a technical team to investigate the alleged gold rush. The team includes Mining Engineers and Geologists and is headed by Geologist Emmanuel Vaye, Assistant Minister for Planning, Research, and Development. He is assisted by Inspector-General for Mines Agatius B. Coker, along with Mining Engineer Alwell Aloysius Carr and Deputy Inspector-General Adolphus M.G.D. Gleekia.
Minister R. Matenokay Tingban said he has spoken with Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono, and decisions have been made to bring the situation under control pending the team’s findings.
The Ministry has urged the public to avoid sensationalizing the matter and said results of the investigation will be communicated once the team concludes its work. No official statement has yet been issued regarding potential regulations, safety guidelines, or environmental protections.
