NEWAKEN, Grand Kru County – A legal battle is unfolding over gold-rich Class “C” mining claims in Newaken Community, Trehn Statutory District, Grand Kru County, as mining activities reportedly continue at the disputed site ahead of a court hearing scheduled for Wednesday, July 22.
By Peter P. Toe, Jr
An independent investigation by a team of Reporters on July 20 and 21 found heavy mining equipment operating at the site, despite an ongoing dispute between the Southeastern Multipurpose Cooperative Society and Hongyun Mining Company Inc. over competing claims to the area.
The dispute, now before the Worktaken Magisterial Court, centers on ownership and mining rights to the gold-rich location.
The court is expected to determine the validity of the competing claims and provide direction on the next steps in the matter.
Court records obtained by the FPA show that the Worktaken Magisterial Court issued a Writ of Arrest on July 7, following a complaint filed by the Southeastern Multipurpose Cooperative Society against Hongyun Mining Company Inc. and several individuals.
The complaint alleges criminal trespass, theft of property, and disorderly conduct, with the cooperative accusing the defendants of entering mining claims belonging to its members and conducting mining operations without authorization.
According to court documents, Hongyun Mining Company Field Manager Emmanuel Gbaglow later wrote the court requesting that the hearing be postponed until July 22, citing the unavailability of the company’s lawyer due to a prior engagement. The request was received by the Clerk of Court on July 9.
Mining Activities Continue Despite Dispute
During visits to the disputed mining area, Reporters observed three excavators, one front-end loader, and other heavy-duty equipment at the site.
One excavator was reportedly seen actively operating when reporters arrived.
The Chinese operator reportedly immediately stepped down from the machine after noticing the presence of the media team.
Reporters also observed extensive land clearing, with large quantities of gold-bearing gravel stockpiled at the site, suggesting that mining activities were ongoing.
Cooperative Demands Suspension of Operations
Officials of the Southeastern Multipurpose Cooperative Society later arrived at the site and called for mining activities to stop until the court resolves the dispute.
Speaking to Reporters, Cooperative President Elton Macarthy Wiah said the group decided to seek legal intervention instead of confrontation.
Mr. Wiah said the cooperative’s concern was the company’s continued operation while the matter remains before the court.
He maintained that mining should not continue until authorities and the court settle the competing claims. “Nobody should be mining here until the issue is resolved,” he added.
Mr. Wiah pointed out that the cooperative believes continued operations could increase tensions if authorities fail to intervene.
Despite the disagreement between the parties, the situation remained calm during Reporters visit, with no violence reported.
Chinese Company Declines Immediate Response
The FPA later visited the Hongyun Mining Company office in Newaken to obtain the company’s side of the story.
Field Manager Emmanuel Gbaglow declined to comment immediately, saying the company would respond through the media at a later date.
Documents Highlight Earlier Mining Arrangement
The FPA reviewed a letter dated October 27, 2025, signed by Clan Chief Michael W. Saikay, indicating that Newaken Community had agreed to grant one Class “C” mining claim on Gbanwin Creek to Mrs. Eliza N. Dioh, who is believed to be associated with the Southeastern Multipurpose Cooperative Society.
The letter advised that the mining claim should be properly documented through the Ministry of Mines and Energy to prevent illegal mining activities and future disputes.
Additional documents reviewed by FPA indicate that the Southeastern Multipurpose Cooperative Society is a Liberian-owned cooperative with 23 members, most of whom reportedly hold Class “C” mining licenses.
Ministry Yet to Respond
Efforts by FPA to obtain comments from the Ministry of Mines and Energy regarding the status of the disputed mining claims were unsuccessful before publication.
The competing claims over the Newaken gold site are now before the court, which is being asked to determine the rightful parties entitled to conduct mining activities in the area.
The July 22 hearing is expected to provide further clarity on the legal dispute.
