Published: March 23, 2026
GBARNGA, Bong County —The House of Representatives, through its Committee on Lands, Mines, Energy, Natural Resources and Environment, has ordered the immediate shutdown of Huiren Mining Company Incorporated’s operations in Bong County over what lawmakers described as “serious violations” of Liberia’s mining laws.
The decision followed an oversight visit to the company’s Wainsue mining site in Jorquelleh District #3 on Saturday, March 21, 2026, by a legislative delegation headed by Grand Gedeh County District #1 Representative Jeremiah Sokan, who chairs the committee.
The committee’s action stems from a formal communication earlier submitted to House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon by Bong County District #3 Representative Josiah Marvin Cole, who flagged what he described as major violations by the company affecting residents of the district. The complaint, first raised on February 10, 2026, referenced findings from a December 2025 site visit that uncovered alleged illegal mining practices, including underground operations conducted under a Class B license, as well as poor living conditions in surrounding communities.
Addressing reporters during the visit, Rep. Sokan said the company was operating in gross violation of both the country’s mining regulations and the Constitution of Liberia, warning that operations would remain suspended pending further legislative review.
“Based on what we have seen, Huiren Mining Company will remain closed until the Legislature concludes its review,” he said.
Lawmakers also cited the company’s failure to provide key operational documents when requested, along with inconsistencies in its management structure. During the engagement, confusion emerged over the identity of the company’s leadership. The committee had previously been introduced to a woman identified as Linda as the company’s manager; however, she was absent during the visit. The Human Resource Manager, Lawrence Sumo, later informed the delegation that Linda was not the manager, claiming instead that the actual manager, identified only as Lincoln, was in China.
“When we asked for official documents, none were provided,” Rep. Sokan noted.
The conflicting accounts raised red flags among lawmakers, who accused the company of misleading the committee and obstructing its oversight responsibilities. As a result, the committee concluded that Huiren Mining Company was operating in gross violation of the terms of its license and showing disregard for the authority of the Legislature.
A motion to halt the company’s operations was introduced by Maryland County District #2 Representative Anthony Williams and was unanimously endorsed by members of the delegation.
“A company that cannot provide basic documentation has no business operating,” he said.
The committee has since summoned the company’s senior management to appear before plenary on Monday, March 23, 2026, along with all relevant operational documents to address the allegations and clarify its legal standing.
Members of the inspection team included Representatives Alex S. Noah, Professor Thomas Romeo Quioh, Eugine J.M. Kollie, and Bong County District #3 Representative Marvin Cole. Also present were local government officials, including the District Commissioner, representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), officials from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and a government geologist.
Meanwhile, Rep. Sokan has called on residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and report any continued operations by the company in defiance of the shutdown order.
“We are calling on citizens to monitor the area and report any continued operations,” Sokan warned.
The House of Representatives maintains that the action is intended to safeguard citizens’ rights, protect community interests, and ensure strict adherence to Liberia’s mining laws as the investigation into Huiren Mining Company’s activities continues.
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