The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has taken decisive action to suspend all activities related to the controversial Grand Bassa iron ore tailings project, placing the multi-million-dollar deal under indefinite hold pending a ruling from the Supreme Court.
In a press statement dated August 8, 2025, Deputy Minister for Operations William S. Hines, backed by Mines and Energy Minister Wilmot J.M. Paye, announced that no new mining licenses will be issued or honored while legal proceedings are ongoing.
The ministry cited the Minerals and Mining Law (2000), Exploration Regulations (2010), and Heavy Mineral Sand Regulations (2024) as the legal foundation for the suspension.
“The Ministry of Mines and Energy is the only legally mandated entity to issue mining licenses in Liberia. No entity, governmental or private, may circumvent this authority,” the statement emphasized.
Steel Fort Mines Project Frozen
The ministry’s decision places the operations of Steel Fort Mines PVT Ltd, a company that has already invested over US $4.5 million into the project, in limbo.
Steel Fort previously deposited US $500,000 into the Grand Bassa County account for the removal of iron ore tailings, with an additional US $100,000 pending.
Despite its compliance with county and ministry directives, the company now faces an uncertain future.
Licensing Disputes and Legal Ambiguities
Steel Fort was originally licensed by the Ministry in November 2023, but according to internal sources, the coordinates on the issued license did not match the actual tailings site.
When the company returned the license for correction, as allowed by law, ministry officials allegedly demanded additional fees.
“Under the law, correcting a coordinate error is the ministry’s responsibility and should come at no extra cost to the license holder,” said a source familiar with the case.
According to Steel Fort, their license was later revoked without clear justification. This triggered a legal battle involving a rival company, Notre Dame, reportedly backed by a foreign businesswoman with alleged ties to high-ranking Liberian politicians.
Political Interference and “Facilitation Fees”
Sources allege that Notre Dame paid US $150,000 in “facilitation fees,” portions of which were allegedly received by former Grand Bassa Superintendent Janjay Baikpeh, former Representative Vincent Willie, and sitting Representative Thomas Goshua.
Following Steel Fort’s removal, a newly formed company, Liberia Tailings Incorporated (LTI), allegedly backed by Rep. Goshua and Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus Chair Senator Gbehzohngar Findley, was quietly granted a mining license on May 22, 2025.
This contradicts the ministry’s current claim that no licenses can be issued while the case is before the Supreme Court.
“If the court appeal blocks Steel Fort, how LTI was granted a license during the same period?” one source asked.
“This is a clear double standard.”
Signature Fees and Alleged Corruption
Documents reviewed by Verity News confirm that Steel Fort paid US $400,000 into a GT Bank escrow account titled Grand Bassa County Community Road Project.
The County had formally requested this payment in a letter dated February 6, 2025.
Of the US $500,000 deposited:
US $100,000 was reportedly withdrawn immediately as “signature fees.”
Of another US $150,000, US $50,000 was allegedly handed directly to Hon. Thomas Goshua, said to be acting on behalf of the county’s legislative caucus.
The remaining amount was reportedly distributed among former Superintendent Baikpeh, former Rep. Willie, and sitting senators.
“This is criminal behavior,” a source within Steel Fort claimed.
“We’ve invested in good faith, followed every request, and are now being pushed out without accountability.”
Steel Fort Threatens Legal Action
Steel Fort General Manager Amos Togar Sweegaye confirmed that the company is prepared to sue Grand Bassa County if officials attempt to return the deposit and terminate the agreement.
“This isn’t just about half a million dollars,” Sweegaye said.
“We are pursuing legal action to recover more than US $4.5 million in sunk costs tied to what was a legal, ministry-approved contract.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Mines and Energy reiterated that it does not recognize or endorse any financial arrangements tied to the tailings project and warned the public that engaging in such agreements could result in prosecution for contraband mining.
Public Outcry and Political Reactions
The silence from much of Grand Bassa’s leadership has stirred unrest among local residents. Civil society organizations and concerned citizens are calling for a full investigation into allegations of bribery, financial misconduct, and misuse of public funds.
Among the few voices speaking publicly is Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, who has strongly condemned the deal.
“If this company gave US $500,000 to the County, it’s illegal because they don’t have a valid license,” Senator Lawrence said.
Continuing, she noted: “The County should return the money, and those involved should be held accountable.”
She added that she personally raised the issue with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, which triggered the ministry’s recent public statement.
“That’s an illegal transaction. I had asked long ago for the money to be returned,” she said.
What’s at Stake?
At the heart of the controversy is not just a lucrative mining project, but the credibility of public institutions, investor confidence, and the integrity of Liberia’s extractive sector.
With the Ministry standing firm on its authority, and Steel Fort threatening court action, the fate of the Grand Bassa tailings deal now rests with the judiciary, and the political will to ensure transparency and justice.
For the citizens of Grand Bassa, the key question remains: Will this be another case of politics over people, or will accountability finally prevail?
