Rep. Kollie Demands Urgent Review of MNG Gold Agreement
Representative Eugine J. M. Kollie of Bong County Electoral District #5 has formally petitioned the House of Representatives to cite MNG Gold Liberia Inc., the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency to appear before Plenary of the House of Representatives. His request centers on clarifying issues surrounding the Mineral Development Agreement that governs gold mining operations in Bong County.
In his communication to Speaker Richard N. Koon and members of the House, Kollie expressed frustration that the AMLIB United Minerals Exploration MDA, signed in 2002, has never been renegotiated. He noted that despite commercial mining operations and changes in ownership, the agreement has remained untouched. He reminded lawmakers that MNG Gold inherited the agreement in 2014 after acquiring AMLIB United Minerals Inc. Since then, mining has expanded, but the terms of the deal have not been updated to reflect new realities or community needs.
Rep Kollie argued that the failure to revisit the agreement for more than two decades has created serious social and environmental challenges for host communities. He pointed specifically to Kokoyah Statutory District, where residents have endured the brunt of mining activities. He described the MDA as “highly centralized,” stressing that it does not guarantee direct social development benefits for the communities most affected. According to him, the structure of the deal favors the company and government while leaving ordinary citizens marginalized. The lawmaker lamented that citizens have been forced to rely on a separate Memorandum of Understanding with the company to access limited benefits. He said this arrangement has been difficult to enforce and has proven inadequate in addressing the pressing needs of the people.
Kollie emphasized that the people of Bong County continue to face marginalization while their natural resources are exploited. He argued that communities bear the environmental and social burden of mining without receiving fair compensation or meaningful development support. He pointed out that the current MDA is set to expire in March 2027, underscoring the urgency of initiating renegotiation efforts now. He warned that waiting until the agreement lapses would leave little time to secure a fairer and more sustainable framework. Kollie urged the House to collaborate with the Bong County Legislative Caucus, the Executive Branch, and relevant stakeholders to renegotiate the agreement. He insisted that the renegotiation must be comprehensive, inclusive, and focused on long-term community welfare.
He further suggested that, if necessary, the Legislature should consider halting MNG Gold’s underground mining operations until a mutually beneficial agreement is reached. He argued that continuing under the current arrangement would perpetuate injustice and violate the fundamental rights of the people. The representative called for a fairer revenue-sharing arrangement between the company and the Government of Liberia. He said this would ensure that the benefits of mining are distributed more equitably and that communities receive their rightful share. He also emphasized the need for stronger environmental protection measures, including land regeneration programs. He argued that mining activities should not leave communities with degraded land and unsafe living conditions.
Kollie proposed relocating communities directly affected by underground mining to safer areas. He said such relocation should include improved housing and alternative livelihood programs to ensure that residents are not left worse off. He highlighted the importance of creating more employment opportunities for qualified Liberians in managerial and technical roles. He stressed that Liberians must be given the chance to occupy leadership positions within the mining sector, with improved wages and welfare.
The representative also called for the rehabilitation and maintenance of concession-area roads and bridges to public works standards. He said better infrastructure would benefit both the company and the communities. He recommended the establishment of vocational and advanced training centers to build local capacity. He noted that such institutions would prepare Liberians for skilled jobs and leadership roles in the mining industry.
The Law Maker underscored the importance of on-the-job training opportunities, both locally and internationally. He said these programs would help Liberians gain the expertise needed to compete in technical and managerial positions. His petition has reignited debate over Liberia’s mining governance framework. Communities across the country are increasingly demanding accountability, transparency, and fair benefit-sharing from extractive industries. Rep. Kollie’s call reflects growing frustration among citizens who feel excluded from the benefits of natural resource exploitation. The demand for renegotiation is seen as part of a broader push for reform in Liberia’s mining sector.
Following deliberations, Plenary forwarded the communication to the House’s Committee on Investment and Concession for review. This decision marks the beginning of what could become a pivotal renegotiation process for Liberia’s mining sector.
The outcome of this review will determine whether Bong County communities finally secure a fairer share of the benefits from their mineral resources. For now, Kollie’s petition has placed mining governance firmly back in the national spotlight.
Author: Victor Quaye
