By: Melvin Flomo
Gbarpolu County, Liberia – The office of Representative Zinnah A. Norman has uncovered serious breaches of mining regulations by several Chinese companies operating in Electoral District #1, prompting immediate enforcement actions and warnings of suspension.
The audit, conducted over a ten-day period by Rep. Norman’s Chief of Office Staff, Mohammed Kanneh and others, examined the activities of eight Chinese mining companies engaged in gold and mineral extraction across the district. The findings paint a troubling picture of environmental neglect, failure to meet community development obligations, and illegal operations.
One of the most alarming discoveries occurred in the GBAYASU Community, Korgninga, where a Chinese firm known as Cosmos reportedly began large-scale operations without any formal agreement with the local population. The company moved in excavators and ore crushers without prior consultation or a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)—a violation of both local protocol and national mining laws.
Community leaders say they were blindsided by the company’s presence.
“We woke up one morning and saw heavy machines on our land,” said a community elder. “They never met with us. They never asked for permission.”
In response, the audit team ordered an immediate halt to all Cosmos activities. Kanneh emphasized that the district would not tolerate companies that bypass community rights or flout environmental and legal standards.
“All companies must work in full transparency and with respect for the people,” he stated. “Any company that fails to live up to its responsibilities will be shut down.”
Beyond Cosmos, two additional firms were found in breach of commitments outlined in their MOUs, including promises to provide jobs for locals, improve roads, and support education initiatives. These failures have led to widespread frustration among residents who say they’ve seen few benefits from the mining boom in their communities.
The audit is part of a broader accountability driven by Rep. Norman’s office ensures that foreign investors contribute meaningfully to local development and adhere to national laws. With more audits planned, companies still in the exploratory phase have been put on notice.
This is the second time in less than a year that Rep. Norman has intervened in mining operations over non-compliance issues. His office says it is determined to safeguard the interests of Gbarpolu residents amid rising concerns over land misuse and environmental harm.
“We’re not against investment,” Kanneh noted. “But we demand responsible investment—investment that uplifts communities, not exploits them.”
As the district tightens its grip on mining oversight, the message is clear: development must come with accountability.
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