Liberia: Senator Chie Accuses Holders of Class ‘B’ and ‘C’ Mining Licenses of Depleting Liberia’s Resources 

Capitol Hill, Monrovia – Former Senate Pro Tempore, Albert Chie, has called for the cancellation of Class ‘B’ and ‘C’ mining licenses issued by the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Mines and Energy, to help prevent the smuggling of the country’s resources by local and foreign companies operating here.

The Grand Kru senator said holders of Class ‘B’ and ‘C’ licenses are destroying the communities in which they operate, and as such, their licenses should be revoked. 

He made these assertions while responding to an inquiry from FrontPage Africa on his alleged link to the involvement of some Chinese nationals into illegal mining activities in Gbarpolu County over the week end.

Senator Chie maintained that Class ‘B’ and ‘C’ mining licenses continue to serve as a conduit for the smuggling of Liberia’s resources out of the country.

As a result of this, he added, Liberia and its citizens are not adequately benefiting from the natural resources of the nation.

“I don’t know any Chinese in Liberia who is involved in mining; Neither am I associated with any Liberian or foreign national involved in mining. I am fundamentally opposed to class C and Class B mining activities because they bring no tangible benefits to the communities and the Government.”

“Class ‘B’ mining activities only destroy the environment and are characterized by smuggling of mineral commodities, the way it is presently structured. I support the shutting down of all Class B mining activities across the country.”

He, however, threw out challenge to those accusing him of having ties with some foreigners who are operating mining sites in Liberia to provide the evidence.

s I challenge anyone to produce evidence that I am associated with any form of mining in this country. Please go in the field and talk to the miners or the owners of the mines. Do you investigation and bring one piece of evidence to me. Everything is “they say”.”

Senator Chie further opposed the use of heavy machinery in Class ‘C’ Mining activities.

He observed that the use of these heavy machinery being used by holders of Class ‘C’ mining licenses under the guise of “mining cooperatives”.

He added that many of these foreigners are abusing this license by using and putting Liberians at the forefront.

Senator Chie maintained that some Liberians are fronting for the Class ‘C’ license, which is exclusively set aside for Liberians, to acquire and operate in the country.

He observed that though he has made the recommendation to the former and current authorities of the government, through the Ministers of Mines and Energy, nothing has been done to ensure that Liberia and its citizens benefit from the resources of the country.

The latest call made by Senator Chie comes in the wake of the indictment of several Chinese and Liberian nationals for the alleged commission of economic sabotage and other crimes in Liberia.

Last week, the Judge of the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarpolu County Wesseh Alphonsus Wesseh issued an arrest ordered for several Chinese and Liberian nationals for their alleged involvement into illegal mining in Gbarpolu and defrauding the government of over $29M in taxes.

Those ordered arrested by the County Sheriff include Gao Feng aka “Barry”, Zheng Yi, Muntaga Barry, Randy Scott, and Li Yingjun, Zhuo Xianhe, Mrs. Zhang Chi, and Li Yingsong.

Others are: Qin Naizhen, Qin Guiyong, Li Jiadong, Shi Rongkang, Li Haode, Qin Yanqun, LiVingli, Li Zhongjie, Wei Mincai, Liu Lihua, Li Xiaoliang, Li Yongming, and Wei Dengmin.

The rest are: Huang Jinkang L Dejie, Zhou/halu, Lan Zubin, Shi Furong, Shi Ruquan, RandellDoe, Xia Shigang, Yan Yuhua, Meng Haiming, Luo Moudi, Huang Liuyong, Wu Huanbai, Money Man Jackson, and others to be identified.

They were charged with the Commissions of the Crimes of Economic Sabotage, Tax Evasion and Criminal Conspiracy, in the County of Gbarpolu, Republic of Liberia and have been on the run.