An investigation by Verity News has obtained a leaked confidential report exposing an alleged mining scheme and a deep conspiracy of illegal mining operations and illicit financial flow allegedly orchestrated by senior government officials of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, including Deputy Minister for Operations William S. Hines and Mining Agent Sumo Talar.
The document marked “Confidential,” alleges widespread violations of Liberia’s mining laws in Montserrado, Gbarpolu and Grand Gedeh counties.
It further accuses senior government officials of turning a blind eye to illegal mining activities while facilitating licensing arrangements that allegedly benefited private individuals and foreign mining interests.
The report titled “Synopsis of Devastating Impacts/Effects of Illicit Mining Activities across Liberia,” says it was prepared to draw the attention of lawmakers to what it describes as growing environmental destruction and significant losses in government revenue caused by illegal mining.
According to the report, illegal mining activities are taking place within the exploration concession of Gem Rock in Rural Montserrado.
The report alleged that a Chinese national identified only as “William,” described as a close associate of Deputy Minister Hines, used a Liberian citizen, Kollie Mawolo, to obtain several Class C mining licenses.
Under Liberia’s Minerals and Mining Law, Class C licenses are reserved exclusively for Liberian citizens and are intended for artisanal mining operations.
The report further alleged that heavy excavators are being used on the licensed sites, despite the law restricting Class C license holders to small-scale mining methods.
In addition, the report also claims that Gem Rock Chief Executive Officer David Kol has not challenged the operations because of an alleged business arrangement involving the Chinese businessman and Deputy Minister Hines. The report, however, provides no documentary evidence to support that allegation.
In Gbarpolu County’s Zelikai Mining District, the report alleges that widespread illegal mining continues under the supervision of the assigned Mining Agent, Sumo Talar.
It claims numerous unauthorized mining operations are taking place without valid Class C licenses and alleges that the Deputy Minister has failed to intervene despite being fully aware of the activities.
The report further alleges that officials responsible for monitoring mining operations have taken no enforcement action because they are benefiting financially from the illegal activities. Verity News has not independently verified those claims as well.
The document also raises questions about the handling of mining rights previously held by Prosis Mining Corporation in Grand Gedeh County.
According to the report, Prosis’ Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), which was ratified by the Legislature in 2019, was terminated in April 2025 after the company allegedly failed to comply with the terms of its agreement.
Despite the reported termination, the confidential document alleged that applications for new exploration licenses covering parts of the former concession are being processed in favor of Liyang Mining Inc. and Tuoli Incorporated.
The report, among other things argue that converting land previously covered by a ratified Mineral Development Agreement into exploration licenses would violate Liberia’s Minerals and Mining Law if proper legal procedures were not followed.
Among its most serious allegations, the report claims that Josephine Bracewell, also known as “Jojo,” who is identified as Deputy Minister Hines’ fiancée, plays a central role in facilitating the alleged scheme.
It alleges that she collects kickbacks on behalf of the Deputy Minister and is able to secure exploration, prospecting and Class B mining licenses that are later sold to foreign mining companies, particularly Chinese investors.
According to the report, Bracewell is employed by the Liberia Immigration Service and assigned to the Freeport of Monrovia but alleges that she does not report to her official duty station. Verity News has not independently verified that claim.
The confidential report recommends that the Ministry of Mines and Energy immediately suspend all mining activities in the affected areas while an independent investigation is conducted.
It further calls for senior ministry officials, including the Minister of Mines and Energy, the Deputy Minister for Operations, the Assistant Minister for Mines, the Assistant Minister for Mineral Exploration and the Director of the Mining Cadastre Office, to appear before investigators to account for their actions and decisions.
The report also recommends that individuals found to have engaged in illegal mining be sanctioned under Liberia’s Minerals and Mining Law and that any minerals extracted through unlawful operations be confiscated or recovered on behalf of the Government of Liberia.
