Bong County — Operations of Huiren Mining Company in Jackson Village, Wainsue Mining District, have been temporarily shut down following a dispute over community benefit payments, a move that has raised concern among local residents.
The closure order was issued on Saturday, March 21, 2026, by a delegation of lawmakers led by Representative Josiah Marvin Cole of Bong County District #3 and Representative Jeremiah Sokan of Grand Gedeh County District #1, who also chairs the House Committee on Mining and Concession. The delegation visited the company’s operational site and instructed its management to immediately halt activities over allegations of illegal mining.
Lawmakers further directed the company’s management to appear before the committee on Monday, March 23, to respond to the allegations.
However, no specific details regarding the alleged illegal activities were disclosed during the visit.
The action follows a complaint filed by Rep. Cole, who accused the company of engaging in unlawful mining practices, despite what sources describe as a previously cooperative relationship between the lawmaker and the company.
At the center of the dispute is a financial disagreement dating back to October 6, 2025. On that date, Rep. Cole reportedly requested that the company redirect a US$4,000 community benefit fund to his office for a school project in Gbarmue Town.
Huiren Mining Company declined the request, citing provisions in its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with affected communities. According to Section 5.1.7 of the agreement, the company is required to deposit US$4,000 every five months into a designated community account. The funds are to be managed by a community-selected committee, with decisions on their use made collectively, excluding unilateral control by any political authority.
Company officials maintained that complying with the lawmaker’s request would have violated the terms of the agreement.
Sources within the district suggest that the company’s refusal may have contributed to the subsequent actions taken against its operations.
Rep. Cole has also previously faced allegations concerning the handling of community funds. Prior to his October request, he was reportedly linked to the diversion of more than US$12,000 in community benefits into an account allegedly established with former District Commissioner Washington Bonah. These claims, however, have not been independently verified.
The closure has sparked widespread concern among residents of the Wainsue Mining District. Many have questioned the timing of the allegations against the company and expressed skepticism about the motives behind the shutdown.
Some community members warn that the suspension of operations could deprive them of benefits derived from local natural resources. They are calling on relevant authorities to launch an independent investigation into both the allegations of illegal mining and the management of community funds intended for affected residents.
