By Gareyson Yaba Neufville
Newaken, Grand Kru County – As gold mining activities continue to expand in Newaken, Trehn Statutory District, Grand Kru County, residents are questioning why decades of mineral extraction have yielded little improvement in basic social services and infrastructure.
During an independent visit to the mining area on July 20 and 21, heavy machinery was observed operating at a disputed Class “C” mining site despite an ongoing legal case before the Worktaken Magisterial Court involving the Southeastern Multipurpose Cooperative Society and Hongyun Mining Company Inc.
The dispute centers on ownership and mining rights to the gold-rich area. Court documents indicate that a Writ of Arrest was issued on July 7, 2026, over allegations of criminal trespass, theft of property, and disorderly conduct. The matter is expected to be heard on July 22 after Hongyun Mining Company requested a postponement because its legal counsel was unavailable.
Residents told reporters that despite years of mining, many communities still lack all-weather roads, safe drinking water, proper sanitation, quality healthcare, and other essential public services. They also expressed concern about the environmental impact of ongoing mining activities.
Officials of the Southeastern Multipurpose Cooperative Society called for all mining operations at the disputed site to be suspended pending the court’s ruling. Cooperative President Elton Macarthy Wiah said the organization chose to pursue legal action rather than confrontation, emphasizing that the rule of law should determine ownership of the mining claims. He warned that continued extraction during the court proceedings could heighten tensions within the community.
When contacted for comment, Hongyun Mining Company Field Manager Emmanuel Gbaglow declined to discuss the matter, saying the company would respond through the media at a later date.
Documents reviewed by reporters show that in October 2025, Clan Chief Michael W. Saikay endorsed the granting of a Class “C” mining claim on Gbanwin Creek to Mrs. Eliza N. Dioh, who is believed to be affiliated with the Southeastern Multipurpose Cooperative Society, while recommending that the claim be processed through the Ministry of Mines and Energy to prevent future disputes. Records also indicate that the cooperative is a Liberian-owned organization with 23 members holding Class “C” mining licenses.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Ministry of Mines and Energy on the status of the disputed claims were unsuccessful before publication.
Beyond the legal dispute, the situation in Newaken highlights a broader national debate over whether Liberia’s mineral wealth is generating tangible benefits for host communities. Residents and stakeholders continue to call for greater transparency in the management of mining revenues, stronger environmental safeguards, and increased investment in roads, education, healthcare, water, sanitation, and other community development projects.
