The House of Representatives Chairperson on Mines, Energy, Natural Resources and Environment, Representative Eugene Kollie, has made several recommendations that seeks to amend sections 4.2, 6.6, 8.2, and 17.1 respectively because he argued that it has been more than 24 years since the last revision was adopted and approved.
The recommendations are; there should be no Alliance to own a Class B mining License in Liberia, like it surrounding regions; Liberians should serve as the General Manager to every Class A company; the government to consider acquiring majority shares (51%) of every Class A and B Companies and should have the right to terminate a mineral right for non-performance companies and that in Section 6.6 F, companies should be prioritized on local businesses (Equipment) instead of purchasing out of country. is requesting legislative approval for the amendment of key sections of the Minerals and Mining Law of Liberia.
According to a statement issued by the House Press Bureau, Representative Kollie said the prolonged duration makes sections 4.2, 6.6, 8.2 and 17.1 including other relevant sections of this law to not be in conformity with standardized international best practices of the governance of the minerals and mining sectors of Liberia.
The lawmaker said as per the current laws, foreign nationals are opened to acquire Class B Mining License in Liberia, this is hindering ordinary Liberians from fairly competing in semi-industrial mining activities.
The House of Representatives Chairperson on Lands, Mines, Natural Resources and Environment who is also Bounty County District 5 Representative said it puts Liberians at the disadvantage of foreigners who are reportedly milking the country’s minerals.
He said many countries within the sub-region have revised the reported practice and their citizens are benefiting from such revision and that the proper governance of mineral resources has the propensity to strengthen economic growth and promote holistic development.
Elaborating in leadership Wednesday, July 31, Kollie said consequent to the review and amendment of the mining Law, the government shall adopt and take cease of the following policy as a strong recommendation from the Legislature.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is poised to take an immediate action surrounding the plea of one of its members upon resumption of its 3rd Quarter.
