The Liberian Government has conditionally lifted a shutdown on China Union’s iron ore operations at the Bong Mines, following the company’s commitment to comply with environmental regulations, reported Reuters.
Last week, the EPA enforced a suspension of activities due to violations.
This shutdown was announced following the company’s failure to address the violations flagged by the regulator in June this year.
The company was accused of lacking an effluent discharge licence, constructing a processing plant without authorisation and improperly discharging tailings into a wetland area.
Following the suspension, China Union sought a temporary reprieve, assuring the government of its intention to adhere to the legal requirements.
In response, the EPA has granted a conditional three-month operational period for the company to regularise its status.
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By GlobalData
Located approximately 150km north-east of Monrovia, the Bong Mines was taken over by China Union in 2008.
Subsequently, China Union invested $2.6bn in the Bong Mines. The mine’s first shipment of iron ore was completed in 2014.
Iron resources are plentiful in Liberia, but the mining sector has suffered from years of under-investment.
Earlier this year, ANI reported that Vedanta Group, through its arm Western Cluster (WCL), announced a $2bn (Rs167.69bn) investment in Liberia’s mining assets.
In a press statement, Vedanta said: “We are on course for an investment of up to US$ 2 billion in WCL and aim to act as a catalyst to unlock Liberia’s economic potential and empower local communities through expansion of operation, thereby, generating numerous employment opportunities.”
