FUAMAH – The management of China Union Bong Mining Company, Liberia, LTD has disclosed that the company is shortly to resume mining operations in the old German mining town of Bong Mines in Lower Bong County.
According to the Liberia News Agency (LINA) Bong County’s Correspondent, China Union’s CEO, Mr. Bai Pang, who spoke through a translator, assured of the provision of more jobs for skilled and unskilled workers. Pang also promised that qualified Liberians are going to be considered for top managerial posts when they resume for full iron ore mining in Bong Mines.
The company has been partially closed for a few years and Pang said it was as a result of low price of iron ore on the world market.
According to the China Union CEO, upon resumption over 3000 Liberians will be employed, including skilled, unskilled workers and managerial positions.
He further stated that China Union stands, through its community engagement programs, to work along with locals in helping to help address some of their plights they are faced with especially in the areas of health, education, community development and among others.
“We are back now; we will begin iron ore mining operations so as to help with the growth and development of the Liberian economy,” Pang said in Bong Mines Monday, March 27.
Speaking earlier, the commissioner of Fuamah District, in which the mines are located, Mr. George Cooper said he is delighted to see China Union resume mining operations following years of closure.
China Union Bong Mining Company, Liberia, LTD acquired a 25-year Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) from the Liberian government in 2010. The Agreement was in the tune of US$2.6 billion.
The Mineral Development Agreement, (MDA) with a value of over two billions United States was the second largest concession agreement entered into during the Administration of former President Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf.
The Bong Mining concession was previously acquired and operated by the Germans in the early 1960s but was forced to shut down mining activities due to the civil crisis that started early 1990.
