The Office of Senate Pro Tempore Nyounblee Karnga-Lawrence has spoken out strongly on the ongoing controversy surrounding the iron ore tailings in Grand Bassa County, calling for full transparency, respect for legal procedures, and immediate administrative reforms once the current court case is resolved.
In a statement released this week, the Office clarified its position on the mismanagement of the tailings—residue from iron ore once mined by LAMCO, which left behind an estimated 11.6 million metric tons of material now seen as a potential economic boost for the region.
“The granting of mining licenses is solely the responsibility of the Executive Branch through the Ministry of Lands, Mines, and Energy,” the Office of the Senate Pro Tempore stated. “No lawmaker or member of the county legislative caucus has the legal authority to award or sign agreements with mining companies.”
The statement comes after revelations that an unlicensed company, Steelfort, deposited USD 500,000 into the county’s account following an agreement signed by the Minister of Internal Affairs, the then-acting County Superintendent, and the Chair of the Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus—despite the company lacking the required mining license.
“Signing an agreement with a company that does not hold a valid license is not only improper—it is illegal,” the Office continued. “The deal must be investigated thoroughly, and the status of the funds must be disclosed to the people of Grand Bassa.”
A Pattern of Inaction and License Abuse
The controversy is the latest in a two-decade-long saga in which multiple entities were granted licenses to exploit the tailings, but none have delivered tangible results.
Since 2013, three individuals—Madam Clavena Parker, Mr. Sam Jonah, and Madam Angela Lace, all acting through two different companies—have held licenses. Yet, despite these legal rights, no significant mining activity has occurred, and only minor payments have been made to the county.
The last license holder, Notre Dame, was taken to court by the County for noncompliance. Although a lower court ruled in favor of the County, Notre Dame appealed to the Supreme Court. While awaiting the final verdict, the Ministry of Lands, Mines, and Energy canceled the company’s license for failure to comply, a decision now also pending judicial review.
“We must respect the Rule of Law,” the Office of the Senate Pro Tempore emphasized. “Until the Supreme Court issues its ruling, no new actions can be taken on the tailings. But when the court concludes, the Ministry must move quickly to launch a transparent and lawful process.”
A Roadmap for Reform
The Office of the Senate Pro Tempore proposed a comprehensive roadmap to address the lingering issues surrounding the tailings:
A new tender process launched immediately after the court ruling;
Vetting and due diligence to ensure only capable companies are selected;
A clear benefit-sharing agreement for the county and citizens;
Timelines for commencement of operations, with automatic license cancellation for nonperformance;
Public disclosure of all transactions and company backgrounds.
“We cannot continue to issue licenses to entities that lack the capacity—or the intention—to deliver,” the statement read. “Liberia must not be a place where mining licenses are flipped like commodities. That approach has failed our people for too long.”
On Steelfort’s Threatened Lawsuit
In a recent press conference, Steelfort—despite lacking a mining license—urged authorities to recognize their USD 500,000 payment as binding and has threatened to sue the county for USD 4.5 million.
In response, the Ministry of Lands, Mines, and Energy issued a public notice reaffirming that no action can be taken on the tailings issue while the matter is before the Supreme Court. The ministry also described the Steelfort deal as potentially criminal in nature.
“We call on national authorities to investigate how a company with no license was able to negotiate and deposit such a large sum,” said the Senate Pro Tempore’s Office. “This incident undermines public trust and raises questions about how executive functions are being carried out at the local level.”
Final Word
The Office concluded its statement with a strong call for reforms across the board:
“We have recommended to the President that all mining licenses issued over a certain period be reviewed and canceled for noncompliance. Liberia must stop rewarding inaction and begin holding license holders accountable for performance. Only then can we ensure that the natural wealth of this country benefits the people who own it.”
As Grand Bassa’s residents await a ruling from the Supreme Court, the message from the Senate Pro Tempore’s office is clear: the era of impunity and delay must end.
