The Ministry of Labor has sounded a strong warning against two major mining companies operating in Liberia, including Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC) in Grand Cape Mount County and Western Cluster Liberia in Bomi County.
The warning concentrates on continued violations of their concession agreements and poor labor practices.
The ministry’s investigation highlights significant disparities and questionable practices that undermine the rights and opportunities of Liberian workers, sparking widespread concern about the companies’ compliance with national labor laws and their commitment to fostering local employment.
Bea Mountain Mining Company, a prominent player in Liberia’s mining sector, is under fire for its employment practices that have been deemed discriminatory and exploitative.
The company operates 60 mine trucks, but only 15 of these are driven by Liberians. In stark contrast, 25 trucks are operated by Turkish nationals and 20 by Zambian drivers.
The wage disparities are equally troubling: while Liberian drivers earn a modest $650 per month, their Zambian counterparts receive $1,650, and Turkish drivers make as much as $2,500 per month for performing the same tasks.
Labor Minister Cllr. Cooper Kruah has expressed his dissatisfaction with these conditions, describing them as unjust and unacceptable. “It is incomprehensible that after a decade of operations, Bea Mountain claims no Liberian is qualified to hold a supervisory position,” Kruah remarked. Despite being in the country for ten years, the company has not appointed a single Liberian to a supervisory role, further marginalizing local workers.
In response, the Ministry of Labor has issued a warning letter to Bea Mountain, mandating a reduction in the number of foreign drivers and an immediate increase in training for Liberians to fill these roles. The company has been given an eight-month ultimatum to ensure that more Liberians are trained and employed as drivers. Should they fail to comply, the ministry has threatened not to renew the work permits of foreign drivers. “Liberians deserve a fair chance to participate in their economy, and it’s unacceptable for jobs that can be done by locals to be handed to foreigners,” Minister Kruah emphasized.
Western Cluster Liberia, another major mining operation in the country, faces criticism for its labor practices that have left hundreds of Liberians in precarious employment situations. Despite holding a 25-year concession agreement to mine in Bomi County, the company directly employs only two Liberians. Instead, 563 Liberian workers are employed through an outsourcing program managed by subcontractors, leaving them with no job security or direct employment benefits. Most of these workers are on three-month contracts, further exacerbating their employment instability.
The Ministry of Labor has expressed deep concern over this arrangement, questioning why a company with such a long-term concession agreement has failed to integrate more Liberians into its direct workforce. “We have made it clear that this is unacceptable. These Liberians need permanent employment, not exploitation through third-party agreements,” Minister Kruah stated.
The ministry also criticized Western Cluster for its lack of social responsibility. Despite its extensive operations, the company has not invested in essential services like schools and hospitals for the local community. Minister Kruah has called on the Bureau of Concessions to join the conversation to resolve these issues and has vowed to raise the matter in the cabinet to ensure that the rights and welfare of Liberian workers are safeguarded.
Minister Kruah has reiterated that the Ministry of Labor will not relent in its efforts to ensure fair labor practices across all concession companies in Liberia. A comprehensive review of all concession agreements and labor practices is underway, with a particular focus on ensuring that Liberians are given the opportunity to actively participate in their economy.
The Ministry’s ongoing assessment tour will cover all major concession companies, with a final report to be made public at the end of the tour. “We are committed to holding these companies accountable and ensuring that Liberians are not marginalized in their own country,” Kruah concluded.
This crackdown on Bea Mountain and Western Cluster sends a strong message to all concession companies operating in Liberia. As the government steps up its efforts to protect the rights of its citizens, the spotlight is now on these companies to reform their practices and comply with the law.
