MONROVIA — The Grand Gedeh Bar Association (GGBA) has commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for his administration’s efforts to revive the long-dormant Putu Iron Ore Mining Project.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
GGBA in a statement issued at the weekend, which was signed by its President, Cllr. Kanio Bai Gbala, described the renewed movement around the concession as an important opportunity for economic transformation in Grand Gedeh County and southeastern Liberia.
The Putu project, which holds an estimated 2.37 billion tonnes of iron ore, has remained largely inactive for more than a decade despite a 25-year Mineral Development Agreement ratified in 2010.
It can be recalled that in March of this year, President Boakai directed relevant government institutions to expedite the finalization and operationalization of the project, describing its continued delay as unacceptable and its revival as a matter of national priority.
The Grand Gedeh lawyer umbrella group says the President’s intervention demonstrates the importance of sustained political leadership in unlocking major investments that have remained dormant for years.
“The people of Grand Gedeh have waited for many years to see the promise of Putu translated into actual economic opportunities,” GGBA President Cllr. Kanio Bai Gbala stated.
“President Boakai deserves recognition for making the revival of this project a priority and for insisting that the process move forward. Resuscitating an investment of this potential after such a prolonged period of inactivity demonstrates foresight and a willingness to confront difficult economic challenges.”
Recent developments indicate that Africa Metallic Resources Inc. (AMR), which emerged as the Government’s preferred developer following a competitive evaluation in December 2025, has strengthened its position to acquire and develop the Putu asset. FrontPage Africa reported that Severstal informed the Government on September 11 that AMR had submitted a binding offer superior to the competing Planet One proposal in price and terms.
The GGBA cautioned that the revival of Putu should ultimately be measured not simply by the reopening of the mine, but by its contribution to employment, infrastructure, local businesses, skills development and sustainable economic opportunities for communities in Grand Gedeh and surrounding areas.
For a region that continues to face significant infrastructure and development challenges, the Association believes the successful development of Putu could become an important economic catalyst for southeastern Liberia.
The GGBA said it therefore welcomes continued engagement between the Government, investors, affected communities and other stakeholders to ensure that the renewed momentum around Putu ultimately produces tangible benefits for the people.
“The true success of Putu will be determined by what the people can see around them — jobs, roads, opportunities for local businesses, skills for young people and stronger communities,” Cllr. Gbala furthered, adding: “That is the promise we should collectively work to realize.”
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