In a move to curb the rampant exploitation of quarries in the Mono department of Benin, Prefect Bienvenu Milohin led a team of officials on a fact-finding mission to several localities in the area. The exercise, which took place on September 26, 2026, was aimed at assessing the level of compliance with regulations governing the extraction of mineral resources. During the visit, the team observed that some quarry operators were still carrying out their activities outside the ambit of the law.
The prefect's team visited several sites in the communes of Houéyogbé and Comé, where they discovered that some quarry operators had not yet regularized their administrative situations. This development has raised concerns among the authorities, who fear that if the situation is not brought under control, it could lead to the depletion of the region's natural resources. To address this challenge, the prefect has announced plans to strengthen the regulatory framework and hold local actors accountable for their actions.
According to Prefect Milohin, the fight against illegal quarry operations is not a one-off exercise but a sustained effort to ensure that the exploitation of mineral resources in the Mono department is done in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner. The prefect's determination to tackle the problem is part of a broader strategy that has been in place since 2021, aimed at gradually tightening the noose on quarry operators who flout regulations.
The prefect's visit to the quarry sites was a clear demonstration of his commitment to enforcing the regulations and ensuring that quarry operators adhere to the laws governing the industry. During the visit, he interacted with local authorities, quarry operators, and community members, emphasizing the need for collaboration to address the challenges associated with quarry operations.
Prefect Milohin has called on local authorities to play a more active role in the fight against illegal quarry operations, stressing that they are critical stakeholders in the process. He noted that as the first line of contact with the communities, local authorities are well-placed to provide support and ensure that the populace understands the importance of responsible quarry operations.
The Mono department's efforts to regulate quarry operations are part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable development and protect the environment. The authorities are keen to ensure that the exploitation of mineral resources benefits the local communities and contributes to the economic growth of the region, while also safeguarding the environment.
As the prefect continues to crack down on illegal quarry operations, it is expected that the initiative will yield positive results and help to promote responsible quarry operations in the Mono department. The success of the initiative will depend on the level of collaboration between the authorities, local stakeholders, and the quarry operators themselves.
Key points
- Prefect Bienvenu Milohin leads crackdown on illegal quarry operations in Benin's Mono department
- The initiative aims to promote responsible quarry operations and protect the environment
- Local authorities are called upon to play a more active role in the fight against illegal quarry operations
