Published: July 22, 2024
MONROVIA – Former Senate Pro-Tempore Albert Chie has vehemently denied any involvement in the recent illegal mining scandal involving some Chinese nationals in Gbarpolu County. In a direct response to the accusations made against him, Chie stated, “I don’t know any Chinese in Liberia who is involved in mining; neither am I associated with any Liberian or foreign national involved in mining. I am fundamentally opposed to Class ‘C’ and Class ‘B’ mining activities because they bring no tangible benefits to the communities and the Government. Class ‘B’ mining activities only destroy the environment and are characterized by smuggling of mineral commodities, the way it is presently structured.”
Chie’s comments come after Ambualah Mamey, a political activist, alleged on Facebook that Chie, along with Nathaniel McGill and President George Weah, was colluding with Chinese businessmen to exploit Liberia’s mineral resources for personal gain. Mamey claimed, “The Court has informed the Inspector General of Police that the Chinese businessmen – THE REAL MINISTER – and his team members who illegally exploited and are in possession of several millions worth of diamonds from Gbarpolu County cannot be found. They are charged with economic sabotage. Albert Chie and Nathaniel McGill, who have been using these Chinese miners to hide their and George Weah’s wealth in gold and diamond, have hidden the Chinese men and plan to sneak them out of the country this weekend.”
Chie firmly rebuffed these accusations, emphasizing his opposition to unauthorized mining activities. “I support the shutting down of all Class ‘B’ mining activities across the country. I challenge anyone to produce evidence that I am associated with any form of mining in this country. Please go in the field and talk to the miners or the owners of the mines. Do your investigation and bring one piece of evidence to me. Everything is ‘they say,'” he asserted.
He also addressed the misuse of heavy machinery in Class ‘C’ mining activities, criticizing foreigners for abusing these operations by using Liberians as fronts. “I have made these views known to both the past and present Minister of Mines and Energy. I have suggested to the present Mines and Energy Minister, like I did to the former Minister, to suspend all Class ‘B’ and cooperative mining activities for one year or more until restructuring of that sub-sector can take place, through new legislation and sectoral regulations, with inputs from all major stakeholders,” Chie added.
Background
The recent mining scandal came to light with the indictment of Gao Feng, known as “The Real Minister,” along with several others, for defrauding the Liberian government of approximately $48.8 million through illegal mining activities in Gbarpolu County.
Gao Feng, a dominant figure in Liberia’s mining industry, has been accused of manipulating the mining sector to his advantage, even boasting that he could mine beneath the Executive Mansion if valuable minerals were discovered there. His co-defendants include representatives of various companies and individuals, all charged with economic sabotage, tax evasion, and criminal conspiracy.
The Grand Jury of Gbarpolu County disclosed that in March 2023, Urban & Rural Services, Inc., represented by Muntaga Barry, along with Gao Feng, engaged in unauthorized mining using Prospecting Licenses. They utilized heavy machinery provided by Liberia Xian Shi Development Co., Ltd., represented by Li Yingjun, to encroach on the mining claim of NEO Global Mines & Minerals Inc., generating illegal proceeds estimated at $5,744,294.40.
Similarly, Scott Investment Incorporation, represented by Randy Scott, conducted illicit mining activities without a Mining License. Despite obtaining an Exploration License in November 2023, Scott Investment continued their illegal operations, generating significant proceeds and failing to reclaim mined sites.
Xin Li Da Investment Development Ltd., represented by Zheng Yi, and Gao Feng engaged in illegal mining from March 2023 to the present, using heavy machinery and causing extensive environmental damage. Their activities generated estimated proceeds of $12,204,672.00.
The indictment outlines substantial environmental damage and financial losses caused by these illegal activities. The second count of tax evasion involves allegations that the defendants willfully avoided paying taxes on their profits, leading to significant revenue losses for the Liberian government.
The court has issued a writ of arrest for the defendants, with seven Chinese nationals already in custody while Gao Feng remains at large.
This scandal highlights the urgent need for stringent regulations and oversight in Liberia’s mining sector to prevent exploitation and ensure that the country’s mineral wealth benefits its citizens.
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