In Bong County; Minister Tingban Resolves Explosive Gbakonai Mining Conflict

Assistant Mines Minister at the Ministry of Mines and Energy Carlos Tingbah has again used his professional mitigation skills to successfully resolved a mining dispute in Gbakonai , Bong County.

As part of his continued effort to help improve the sector from conflicts, Assistant Minister Tingban, concluded an important day-long community gathering aimed at addressing the growing tensions that have surfaced as a result of conflicting claims between two companies vying for mining rights in the area.

The meeting, attended by local leaders, community members, and officials from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, sought to provide much-needed clarification amid rising concerns over the operations of H&K Mining Company and Da-Tahn Company, both of which have proclaimed their legal right to exploit Gbakonai’s rich mineral.

Among other things,  The meeting was meant to solve the problem of encroachment by Da Tang mining company on the exploration license area of H ＆ K.

Speaking to attendees, Assistant Minister Tingban sought to diffuse the uncertainty surrounding the presence of both companies, explaining that while each entity holds government recognition, they operate under distinct classifications within Liberia’s mining regulations.

H&K Mining Company, he clarified, currently holds a valid exploration permit, meaning their activities in Gbakonai are confined to assessing the mineral potential within the designated area rather than engaging in full-scale extraction.

Da Tahn Company, on the other hand, possesses a mining license, which legally authorizes it to extract minerals from the region, subject to strict adherence to national mining regulations.

This key distinction, though seemingly straightforward, has been at the heart of the controversy that has led to heated debates and growing concerns over land use and operational legitimacy.

Assistant Minister Tingban urged both companies to respect the boundaries of their respective permits and reassured the people of Gbakonai that the Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, legality, peaceful coexistence of residents, and fairness in the country’s mining sector.

“The Ministry is committed to ensuring that all operations follow the legal frameworks established for mining activities. Each company must remain within its licensed mandate, and no activity should undermine the rights or well-being of the host communities, Min. Tingban stated.

Acknowledging the growing anxiety among community members, he emphasized that the government, through the Ministry of Mines and Energy, is closely monitoring developments to prevent violations that could jeopardize Gbakonai’s social and environmental well-being.

His words offered some reassurance to residents who have watched impatiently as the two firms continue to make competing claims over their rights to access the region’s mineral wealth.

Tensions have heightened in recent months as reports have arisen of overlapping operations by both companies, leading to speculation about unauthorized mining activity and concerns over who truly has authority over the land.

Following H&K Mining Company’s acquisition of an exploration permit, discussions surrounding the company’s plans have intensified.

While their current mandate limits their activities to exploration, there is widespread anticipation that the company will transition into full-scale extraction once approval is granted.

This looming possibility has fueled debate among community members, with some fearing that an expansion of mining operations could further destabilize the fragile balance between economic development and environmental preservation.

The government’s role in facilitating a peaceful resolution has never been more vital, as tensions continue to rise, with some locals expressing outright opposition to the prospect of additional mining activity taking place in the area.

Adding to the complexity of the situation is the question of environmental impact, a factor that remains a crucial consideration in all mining endeavors.

Liberia’s mining sector, while integral to economic growth, has often been marred by controversies surrounding pollution, land degradation, and unsustainable practices that threaten both human livelihoods and the natural ecosystem.

Gbakonai, a town known for its lush landscapes and agricultural vibrance, faces the challenge of balancing industrial expansion with community welfare.

Locals fear that unchecked mining operations could lead to deforestation, pollution of vital water sources, and long-term disruptions to the area’s environmental equilibrium.

He stated that their  approach to regulating these developments will be scrutinized in the coming months.

Assistant Minister Tingban’s emphasis on ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the companies and the local community was a focal point of the gathering.

Recognizing the complexities at play, he urged both parties to embrace constructive conversations that prioritize mutual understanding and peaceful resolutions.

“Companies are expected to adhere strictly to national regulations while maintaining ethical practices that safeguard community interests.

The importance of collaboration, he noted, cannot be overstated, as transparent engagement remains key to avoiding confrontations that could further divide the town”.

The Assistant Minister further noted that the Ministry of Mines and Energy will actively oversee operations in the region to prevent further conflict and ensure adherence to national mining laws, thereby ordering and successfully carrying out an actual survey of Da Tang “Class B” mining license are in an effort of establishing its metes and bounds.

“We ordered and successfully carried out an authentic survey of Da-Tang Cass B mining license in an effort to establish its metes and bounds”.

He reassured community members that their voices are heard and that the government will continue working toward balanced solutions that protect both economic interests and environmental sustainability, thereby providing relief to the community.

The people of Gbakonai wait with cautious optimism, hoping that the government’s intervention will yield positive results in a dispute that threatens to reshape the very landscape of their town.

Meanwhile, The quiet town of Gbakonai, snuggled deep within Liberia’s mineral-rich region, has found itself at the epicenter of an intensifying mining dispute that has raised concerns about community harmony, legality, environmental integrity, and the future of its potential residents but the intervention of the proactive Assistant Mines Minister has help address the situation to the core.