By Edwin N. Khakie
Bong County District #7 Representative Foday E. Fahnbulleh has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that China Union Mining Company fulfills its corporate social responsibilities and honors every clause of its concession agreement with the Government of Liberia.
Speaking on one of the local radio stations in Gbarnga on Thursday, Rep. Fahnbulleh, who also chairs the House Committee on Investment, Concession and Compliance, said his oversight mandate is driven by years of neglect from concession companies, with China Union being one of the worst offenders.
“During the campaign in 2023, I promised my people that I would fight for accountability and fair benefits from our natural resources. That commitment remains strong, and I will not relent,” he said.
China Union signed a landmark US$2.6 billion agreement with Liberia in 2009 to mine iron ore in Bong Mines, Fuamah District. At the time, the deal was hailed as one of the most significant direct foreign investments in the country’s post-war recovery. However, more than a decade later, the company has faced significant criticism for failing to fulfill its obligations, including infrastructure development, community benefits, and timely payments to the government.
Rep. Fahnbulleh disclosed that one of his first actions in office was to initiate a comprehensive review of China Union’s compliance. That review, he said, uncovered glaring violations, such as the company’s failure to maintain the critical Bong Mines Handii road, inadequate support to schools and hospitals, and the non-implementation of promised social contributions.
“After consistent legislative pressure, we are beginning to see movement,” he noted. He pointed to the recent rehabilitation of the Bong Mines Handii road, which had been abandoned for over 10 years, as well as the company’s introduction of a US$30,000 annual scholarship scheme for students from affected communities. According to him, this initiative now provides hundreds of young people with the opportunity to pursue higher education with financial relief.
China Union has also provided limited support to local schools and partially renovated the district’s hospital. While welcoming these steps, Rep. Fahnbulleh maintained that they fall short of the company’s full commitments.
The lawmaker further highlighted troubling financial discrepancies. He revealed that past budget reports listed millions of dollars as revenue from China Union, though no such payments were ever received. “That kind of practice is unacceptable, and we will not sweep it under the carpet,” he emphasized.
As part of ongoing negotiations, the company has made an initial payment of US$1 million to the Liberian government. The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and the Ministry of Finance are currently auditing China Union’s total arrears to determine what is still owed.
Rep. Fahnbulleh welcomed the payment as a positive sign but insisted that Liberia deserves the full benefits promised in the agreement. “For almost 18 years, our people saw nothing from this company,” he said. “That must change. With stronger oversight, we are now seeing some results, but the fight continues until China Union delivers on every obligation to the government and the people.”
The district #7 lawmaker assured his constituents that as long as he chairs the concession oversight committee, companies will no longer be allowed to operate in Liberia while disregarding their commitments.
