MONROVIA – The House of Representatives has summoned key government ministries and agencies to appear before its joint Committee on Concessions Compliance Review to provide detailed information on the operations of China Union Liberia, one of the country’s prominent mining concessionaires.
Citations, issued through the Office of the Chief Clerk and signed by Mildred N. Sayon, were directed to the National Investment Commission (NIC), the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and the Ministry of Labor. The directive follows instructions from Hon. Foday E. Fahnbulleh, Chairman of the House Committee on Investment and Concessions.
According to the correspondence, the hearings are scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the 1st Floor Conference Room of the House Wing at the Capitol Building in Monrovia. The legislative inquiry is part of the Committee’s broader review of ongoing concession compliance processes.
The House is seeking a comprehensive matrix of all Chinese nationals authorized by the ministries to work with China Union Liberia. The inquiry will also require details on the positions these workers occupy, contracting companies involved, and other pertinent information regarding the company’s operations.
Committee officials emphasized that the review is intended to enhance transparency and accountability within Liberia’s concession sector. Lawmakers stressed that foreign concessionaires must operate strictly within the terms of their Mineral Development Agreements (MDAs) and in compliance with national labor laws.
China Union Liberia, a subsidiary of Wuhan Iron and Steel Corporation based in China, holds a major iron ore mining concession in Bong County. The company has faced scrutiny over its employment practices and adherence to local content requirements.
The Committee indicated that the upcoming session would provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to clarify issues surrounding foreign workforce authorization, local employment participation, and compliance with contractual obligations.
Lawmakers noted that previous reviews revealed gaps in oversight, prompting the House to strengthen its monitoring of foreign concessions. By obtaining detailed operational data, the Committee aims to ensure that Liberia’s natural resources generate tangible benefits for citizens.
“The objective of this review is to uphold the rule of law and guarantee that foreign companies contribute meaningfully to our national development,” a Committee spokesperson said, stressing the importance of accountability in the mining sector.
The hearings are expected to attract attention from civil society groups, labor unions, and other stakeholders concerned with transparency and governance in Liberia’s extractive industries. The House Committee plans to use findings from the session to make recommendations for improved oversight of all foreign-operated concessions across the country.
