By Grace Q. Bryant
The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the long-stalled Putu Iron Ore Mining Company deal, aimed at uncovering the cause for the protractive stoppage of operations at the entity.
The plenary instructed its committees on Mines and Energy, Concessions, Judiciary, and Ways, Means, and Finance, to review the matter and report back within two weeks.
The decision came after a Legislative session featuring key government officials, including Mines and Energy Minister, Wilmot Paye, National Investment Commission (NIC) Chairman, Jeff Blibo, and Deputy Minister for Economic and Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Justice, Cllr. Charles Karmo.
However, none of the officials provided a clear explanation for the prolonged delay or an estimated timeline for when mining operations in Grand Gedeh County would commence.
The probe follows a formal request from Grand Gedeh County District 1 Representative Jeremiah Sokan, who urged Legislative action to break the years-long impasse surrounding the mining project.
During the session, lawmakers voiced frustration over the 15-year inactivity of the Putu Iron Ore project, with many describing it as a significant setback to national development.
Sokan, the driving force behind the probe, strongly condemned the prolonged delay, calling it an injustice to both Grand Gedeh County and Liberia as a whole.
“This issue is a shame and a total disappointment. It is unacceptable that for 15 years, we have allowed a few individuals to hold the country’s resources hostage while our people continue to suffer,” he expressed.
He emphasized that the stalled project has hindered economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development, particularly in southeastern Liberia.
“The southeastern region needs this investment. The country needs this investment. It will create jobs, bring electricity, improve road connectivity, and boost national revenue,” he stressed.
Following heated deliberations, plenary instructed the designated committees to investigate four key concerns: What steps are being taken to finalize Silver Star’s investment in the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA)? What conditions must be met for Silver Star to relinquish the agreement? Are there serious investors ready to take over the mining site? How soon can operations resume at the Putu Iron Ore mine?
Representative Sokan insisted that the Legislature take decisive action, stating, “Our position is unwavering. We want to see this MDA canceled in the next 90 days, and we want a serious investor to take over in the next six months.”
Sokan also urged the media and the public to support efforts to demand swift action, warning that further delays would continue to undermine the nation’s economic potential.
“This is not just a Grand Gedeh issue. It is not just a southeastern issue. It is a national issue,” he asserted.
He stressed that reviving the Putu Iron Ore mine would have far-reaching benefits, including job creation, improved infrastructure, and increased government revenue.
“Once Putu is operational, many people will find jobs, their lives will change, and the revenue of this country will increase. We need this mine to start working; not tomorrow, not next year, but now,” he declared.
The House has set a two-week deadline for its committees to present findings and recommendations, marking a critical step in addressing the fate of the long-dormant mining project.
