Small-scale miners training

Empowering Change in Bomi: A Look into Our Engagement with Small-Scale Miners

By: Cyrus G. Larkpor, GERAD-Liberia

Date: June 17, 2025

Last month , our team had the incredible opportunity to travel to Bomi County to engage with small-scale miners as part of our ongoing efforts to promote responsible mining practices, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.

Bomi is a region rich in natural resources and with that richness comes a community of hardworking individuals who rely on small-scale mining as their primary source of income. Our mission during this visit was clear: to learn, to listen, and to provide support where it’s most needed.

What We Did

1. Community Dialogues and Listening Sessions

Our first priority was building trust and opening up honest conversations. We held several community dialogues, bringing together miners, local leaders, and youth representatives. These sessions helped us better understand the challenges small-scale miners face from health risks and lack of safety equipment to limited access to formal training or alternative income sources.

2. Training on Sustainable Mining Practices

With the help of local experts, we conducted training sessions that covered basic environmental conservation, safe mining techniques, and mercury-free gold processing methods. Participants were eager to learn and engage, sharing their own knowledge while absorbing new ideas with enthusiasm.

3. Health and Safety Awareness

We organized practical workshops focused on the health impacts of small-scale mining. Discussions touched on topics like the importance of using personal protective equipment, first-aid practices, and early signs of respiratory issues caused by dust and chemicals. We also distributed informational pamphlets and a limited supply of safety gear to those in immediate need.

4. Youth Engagement Activities

Recognizing the role of youth in shaping the future of the community, we hosted creative engagement activities, including drawing competitions and group discussions on the theme: “Our Environment, Our Future.” These moments served as a gentle yet powerful reminder that mining and environmental care must go hand-in-hand.

5. Mapping and Documentation

We also collaborated with local stakeholders to begin documenting mining hotspots in the area. This data collection is a vital first step toward advocating for better resource management policies and potential partnerships with government agencies.

What’s Next?

Our time in Bomi reinforced what we already believed: sustainable development must include the voices of those who work closest to the land. The small-scale miners we met were not only receptive but deeply committed to change, they just need the right tools, information, and support.

As we move forward, we aim to return with more in-depth training, expanded outreach, and stronger collaborations with local institutions. Together, we can help ensure that mining in Bomi supports livelihoods without costing the environment or future generations.

Stay Connected

Follow our journey as we continue to work with communities across Liberia. Together, we’re building a future where economic survival and environmental stewardship go hand-in-hand.

Small-scale miner training conducted in Bomi