Lawmaker Seeks Putu Mining Company Concession Agreement’s Cancellation By: Fiona Benson Kollie

The Putu Mining Company which operates in Grand Gedeh County has come under spotlight with Grand Gedeh County District #1 Representative, Jeremiah G. Sokan, communicating with the plenary of the House of Representatives to invite the heads of the 𝐍ational 𝐈nvestment 𝐂ommission, Ministry of 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌inistry of 𝐉ustice concerning the 𝐏𝐮𝐭𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 Company 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 for operation 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲. Rep. Sokan said the decision was prompted due to the ineffectiveness of the company to function properly in recent time, noting that there is a need for him to communicate to invite the heads of Mines and Energy, and the Ministry of Justice to provide a clear status update on the Putu Iron Ore Mining Company investment in Grand Gedeh County. According to him, the Putu Iron Ore Mining Company, a Russian-affiliated company,  signed a Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) with the Republic of Liberia on September 2, 2010, but maintained that  the company stopped operations since 2016 due to financial and operational challenges. Rep. Sokan also referenced a 2016 statement by former Lands, Mines, and Energy Minister, Patrick Sendolo, whom according to him, told the Liberian Senate that Putu left Liberia because it was unable to manage the mining process independently, despite efforts to secure investment partners. He further noted that while the company had “walked away,” the MDA remains technically valid; emphasizing that Putu’s departure had both positive and negative effects on Grand Gedeh County. He said the company’s presence boosted employment, infrastructure, and human capacity development, adding that its sudden exit resulted in severe economic hardship, leaving many citizens jobless and slowing economic activities in the region. Representative Sokan is seeking a detailed status update from authorities of the National Investment Commission, the Ministries of Mines and Energy, and Justice, regarding the current status of the Putu Iron Ore Mining Deal, including any ongoing negotiations or potential new investors interested in taking over the operations. The lawmaker also wants an impact assessment, thus evaluating the economic impact of Putu’s departure on Grand Gedeh County, particularly regarding employment and infrastructure, future plans inclusive of strategic plans and measures to attract new investors to Grand Gedeh County’s mining sector, and revive the economic activities previously supported by Putu Iron Ore Mining Company. Moreover Representatives Sokan wants support for displaced workers, such as initiatives and programs in place to support and provide alternative employment opportunities for the workers who lost their jobs due to the cessation of Putu’s operations and infrastructure and community development: updates on Putu Iron Ore Mining Company’s commitments to infrastructure and community development projects and how these can be addressed. At same time, Rep. Sokan also stressed the need for transparency and accountability in addressing the aftermath of Putu’s exit. He urged the authorities concerned to present a clear roadmap for revitalizing Grand Gedeh’s economy and ensuring that mining agreements prioritize community welfare. Meanwhile, the upcoming hearing aims to provide answers and explore sustainable solutions for Grand Gedeh County’s economic recovery while ensuring that Liberia’s natural resources benefit its people.