Jackson Village, Gbarmue – In a decisive move to address the longstanding issue of illegal mining activities across Bong County, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has announced the temporary shutdown of Huiren Mining Company— a Chines-owned Mining Corporation in the Mining District of Wainsue, Jorpolu Clan, Jorquelleh District-3. This action comes amidst rising concerns over the legality of mining operations in the region and the urgent need for cooperative efforts to safeguard local resources and affected communities.
Hurein Mining Company has allegedly been operating in the region from 2018 to the present, and is reported to have entered into several agreements with affected communities but failed to live up to said agreements. In February 2025, local residents in the area protested against the company for failing to comply with previous agreements— a protest that later resulted in the burning of the wooden bridge connecting Gbarmue and Jackson Village, where the company usually transports operational equipment.
The rising tensions in the area called the attention of the district’s lawmaker Josiah Marvin Cole and local authorities of Bong headed by Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris, Bong County Attorney Jonathan Flomo, and the Detachment of Police whose interventions saw the company paying an amount of USD Twelve Thousand (USD 12,000.00) as back pay owed the affected communities and signing a new Memorandum of Understanding on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
Following the payment and signing of the MOU, the company and the affected communities agreed that a Billay Bridge be constructed over the Jor River that connects Jackson Village and Gbarnga, including surrounding towns and villages. The agreement also highlighted several developmental initiatives including hand pumps, clinics, and a school facility. However, a few months after, local residents began to complain about the slow progress of the bridge construction, resulting in another tension that saw the involvement of the Mines and Energy Ministry.
During a guided tour of the company operations sites on Saturday, May 31, 2025, Assistant Mines and Energy Minister Carlos E. Tingban delivered a comprehensive statement in an engagement meeting with residents, emphasizing the critical need for collaboration between community leaders and citizens in the fight against illegal mining. He pointed out that such activities, often spearheaded by both local community members and foreign nationals, are depleting mineral resources at an alarming rate. The consequences of these practices, he believes extend beyond environmental degradation, adding that they pose serious threats to social stability, public health, and security. Tingban warned that unchecked mining could lead to further destabilization and potential weaponization in the area.
Additionally, Tingban prevailed that the ministry is currently conducting an investigation into various mining entities, including Huiren Mining Company and others like Ta-Tang Mining Corporation. The focus of the inquiry, according to him, is to ascertain their legal standings, operational statuses, technical capabilities, and mineral recovery processes. The MME aims to ensure that mining companies operate within the framework of the law and adhere to sustainable practices that align with national interests.
Adding to the complexities of the mining issue, Tingban clarified that land ownership does not automatically confer mineral rights. The government retains the power to issue mining licenses without the need for extensive consultations with landowners. This statement underscores the government’s authority in regulating the mining sector, aimed at preventing conflicts between communities and corporate entities.
However, the ministry also recognizes the importance of community engagement. Mining companies are encouraged to enter into Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with local communities to address environmental impacts and potential damages that may arise from their operations. These agreements are expected to stipulate benefits for the affected communities, which may include provisions for basic services such as electricity and environmental cleaning initiatives.
Tingban stressed prioritizing community development over political affiliations and personal interests in these agreements. The MME’s approach aims to create a win-win scenario where local communities benefit from mining projects while ensuring the preservation of their environment and resources.
The Saturday tour was guided by local county officials, including Senator Johnny Kpehe Sr, Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris, Representative Josiah Marvin Cole, and attorney Jonathan Flomo. They all embraced the Ministry’s actions and called for an impartial investigation not just for Hurein but also for H&K Mining Corporation.
The landscape of mining in Bong County is poised for significant change as the MME takes a firm stand against illegal practices and promotes a more harmonious relationship between mining companies and local communities.
