Liberia: China Union to Resume Mining Operations Shortly
— Promises 3,000 Liberian jobs when fully operational
By LINA
The management of China Union, Bong Mining Company, and Liberia, LTD has assured the provision of more jobs.
The management said the provision of jobs for skilled and unskilled workers, as well as highly qualified Liberians for top managerial posts, will also be prioritized following the full resumption of iron ore mining at Bong Mines.
The Liberia News Agency (LINA), quoting the CEO of the company, Mr. Bai Pang who spoke through an interpreter, said China Union was resuming its mining operations following years of closure as a result of the low price of iron ore on the world market.
Mr. Pang further disclosed that upon the resumption of full mining operations, over three thousand Liberians will benefit from employment opportunities ranging from skilled, unskilled workers to managerial positions with the company.
He further stated that China Union, through its community engagement programs, stands to work along with locals in helping to address some of their plights, especially in the areas of health, education, community development,and among others.
Speaking earlier in separate remarks, the commissioner of Fuamah District and George Cooper, commissioner of Larkayta township, said they were both very delighted to see China Union resuming its mining operations in both counties following years of closure.
During the closure of the company as a result of the low price of iron ore on the world market, the company also suffered a major setback in 2016 when the conveyor belts of the ore processing plant got damaged due to a mud slide as a result of heavy downpour of rain.
China Union Bong Mining Company, Liberia LTD acquired a 25-year mineral development agreement (MDA) from the Liberian government in 2010, worth US$2.6 billion, but was forced to close its mining operations due to the low price of iron ore on the world market.
The Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), with a value of over US$2 billion, was the second largest concession agreement entered into during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
The Bong Mining concession was previously acquired and operated by the Germans in the early 1960s but was forced to shut down its mining activities due to the civil crisis in the ‘90s.
“We are back now and will in days try to carry on our iron ore mining operations so as to help with the growth and development of the Liberian economy,” Mr. Pang further disclosed during the brief remarks in Bong Mines.
“Let me also hasten to let you know that currently, the grade of iron ore is of lower quality grade and if China Union is to continue with the 25-year Mineral Development Agreement signed Liberian government, it will depend on its upgrading or improvement so as to meet world market standards and price or could discontinue,” he disclosed during the brief program on Monday in Bong Mines.