MNG Gold Mining Company Under Spotlight

By: Fiona Benson Kollie

The Plenary of the House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Investment & Concessions; Mines, Energy and Natural Resources; and Environment to probe into the operations of MNG Gold Mining Company in Liberia.

Plenary’s decision was triggered by a communication from Bong County Electoral District #5 Representative, Hon. Eugene J.M. Kollie, who called on the House to halt the operations of MNG Gold Mining Company pending a full renegotiation of its agreement with the Government of Liberia.

In his communication, Rep. Kollie attributed his request to the company’s alleged failure to meet its corporate social responsibilities to communities affected by its operations.

He further argued that MNG Gold is currently operating under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and an expired Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) which according to him need to be looked at.

The Bong County lawmaker said  the company’s agreement, which dates back to 2002, has not undergone renegotiation, contrary to best practices and national interest considerations in the extractive sector but yet are still carry out operation.

Rep. Kollie also requested that MNG Gold Mining Company, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) appear before Plenary to provide clarity on the legality, status, and environmental and social compliance of the company’s operations in the country.

Following deliberations, Plenary forwarded the communication to the House Committees on Investment & Concessions; Mines, Energy and Natural Resources; and Environment for appropriate action, including investigation and recommendations to the August Body.

The House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, environmental protection, and community benefits in all concession and investment agreements entered into by the Government of Liberia.