Duncan On Hummingbird Mining Operations

By Domingo Dargbeh From Sinoe County

Sinoe County Senator Crayton O. Duncan, has raised concerns about the 25 years Agreement signed with Hummingbird Resources.

Duncan concerns was contained in a scathing critique of foreign mining practices.

As of the Hummingbird Agreement, it is expected to extract an estimated US$18 billion worth of gold from the Dugbe District #2 in Sinoe County.

The main Hummingbird deal for the Dugbe Gold Mine was initially signed in 2015, but it was later renegotiated and officially re-signed in January, 2019, establishing a new 25-year Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) when former President George Weah called for review.

Initial Signing (2015): The first agreement for the Dugbe Gold Mine was signed on July 9, 2015, between the government and Hummingbird Resources.

Re-negotiation and Final Signing (2019):

After Pres. Weah requested a review, the deal was re-negotiated and finalized, with a new MDA signed in January, 2019, covering operations in Sinoe, Grand Kru, Rive Gee, and Maryland counties.

Sen. Duncan raised the qualms when he served as the 14^th commencement speaker of Deanna Kay Isaacson School of Midwifery in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County.

Duncan highlighted the stark contrast between the wealth being extracted from the land, and the persistent poverty faced by local communities.

“Hummingbird is taking eighteen billion dollars in gold from Dugbe, while our people continue to live in abject poverty.”

He expressed frustration over the lack of tangible benefits for the local population.

“It is unacceptable that our rich natural resources are being exploited by foreign companies, leaving our people behind.”

Duncan’s comments come amid growing concerns over the impact of mining operations on local communities in Sinoe County. Despite the promises of job creation and infrastructure development, many residents find themselves struggling to make ends meet as the wealth generated by mining activities flows out of their region.

Critics of the mining sector argue that the current regulatory framework allows for the exploitation of natural resources without sufficient accountability or oversight.

Duncan is also vying for the presidency in 2029.

He is meanwhile, rallying his colleagues for a comprehensive review of mining contracts, and a reassessment of how revenue from natural resources is distributed to ensure that local communities benefit from the wealth generated from their land.

Duncan’s remarks have sparked a wider debate about the role of foreign investment, and the need for policies that prioritize the welfare of local populations over corporate profits.

Sen. Duncan call to action serves as a reminder of the urgent need for a shift in how Liberia approaches its rich natural resources, ensuring that they serve the interests of citizens, rather than merely lining the pockets of foreign corporations.

In another development, Duncan has pledged a 72-seater bus to the administration of Deanna Kay Isaacson school of Midwifery to transport students.

The gesture followed an appeal from the school administration to Sen. Duncan.