Operations of Huiren Mining Company in Jackson Village, Wainsue Mining District, have been temporarily shut down following a dispute over community benefit payments.
The closure order was issued on Saturday, March 21, 2026, by a delegation of lawmakers led by Bong County District Three Representative Josiah Marvin Cole and Grand Gedeh County District One Representative Jeremiah Sokan, who chairs the House Committee on Mining and Concession.
The team visited the company’s operational site and instructed its management to immediately halt activities over allegations of illegal mining.
The lawmakers further mandated the company’s management to appear before the committee on Monday, March 23, 2026, to respond to the allegations. However, no specific details of the alleged illegal activities were disclosed during the visit.
The decision follows a complaint from Rep. Cole, who accused the company of engaging in unlawful mining practices—despite having previously maintained a working relationship with the company over several years.
At the center of the dispute is a financial disagreement dating back to October 6, 2025, when Rep. Cole formally requested that the company redirect a US$4,000 community benefit fund to his office. The funds were reportedly intended 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, which is in possession of this paper, the company is required to deposit US$4,000 every five months into a designated community account. The funds are to be managed and disbursed by a community-selected management team, with decisions on usage made collectively—excluding unilateral control by any political authority.
The company maintained that complying with Rep. Cole’s request would violate the terms of the agreement.
Sources within the district suggest that the company’s refusal may have contributed to the lawmaker’s subsequent actions against its operations.
Rep. Cole has previously faced allegations relating to the handling of community funds. Prior to his October request, he was reportedly linked to the diversion of over US$12,000 in community benefits into an account allegedly established with former District Commissioner Washington Bonah.
The latest developments have generated widespread concern among residents of the Wainsue Mining District. Many citizens have questioned the timing of the allegations against the company and expressed skepticism about the motives behind the closure.
Some community members argue that the shutdown could deprive them of benefits derived from their natural resources. They are calling on relevant authorities to conduct an independent investigation—not only into the claims of illegal mining but also into the management and accountability of funds intended for affected communities.
