By Socrates Smythe Saywon | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – The Putu Contact Group (PCG), representing citizens and Project Affected Communities in Putu Administrative District, Grand Gedeh County, has welcomed efforts by the Government of Liberia to revive the long-stalled Putu Iron Ore Project, but warned that its support remains strictly conditional on transparency, legality, and protection of community rights.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the group acknowledged government moves to restore the strategic mining asset, including the reported selection of Africa Metallic Resources Inc. (AMR) as the preferred developer.
The PCG said it recognizes progress made in negotiations, financing discussions, and regulatory processes aimed at restarting the concession, describing the development as a major opportunity for economic growth, employment, and infrastructure expansion.
However, the group made clear that while it supports the project’s revival, such backing is tied to strict conditions that must be met before any final agreement is endorsed.
“Our support is constructive but strictly conditional,” the PCG declared. “It is anchored on transparency, accountability, legal compliance, verified financial capacity, and the full protection of the rights and interests of affected communities, Grand Gedeh County, and Liberia at large.”
The organization stressed that it would reject any arrangement that fails to guarantee full public disclosure of all agreements, including the Mineral Development Agreement, and strict adherence to Liberian law and international best practices.
The group also called for verified implementation of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), emphasizing that local communities are rights-holders and must be fully informed and involved in decisions affecting their land and livelihoods.
“Communities are rights-holders. FPIC must be fully implemented to ensure informed and inclusive decision-making,” the statement noted.
On employment, the PCG demanded priority hiring for Liberians, especially residents of Putu and Grand Gedeh County, along with clear localization timelines, training opportunities, and management succession plans.
The group further insisted that any investor must demonstrate genuine financial strength, proof of funding sources, and the technical capacity to develop the mine rather than merely acquiring the concession for speculative resale.
“The Putu Project must be developed by a serious, capitalized, and technically competent investor, not a speculative intermediary,” the statement said.
Addressing recent public claims surrounding the concession, the PCG clarified that ownership transfer under the previous PIOM Mineral Development Agreement is not automatic and would require formal approval from the Liberian government, due diligence reviews, and regulatory clearances.
It also rejected suggestions that the issuance of a reported US$10,000 administrative invoice amounts to ownership transfer, stressing that such a fee does not constitute legal acquisition of concession rights or completion of contractual obligations.
The group additionally cautioned against unrealistic public timelines for restarting operations, noting that major mining projects typically require environmental and social impact assessments, infrastructure rehabilitation, financing closure, equipment mobilization, and community consultations.
“Industry reality is 18 to 36 months minimum under optimal conditions,” the PCG stated, adding that any claim of rapid production start-up lacks technical and financial credibility without secured rail, port, and export infrastructure.
Meanwhile, shortly after the PCG statement, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai ordered an immediate freeze on all actions related to the proposed change of control of the Putu Iron Ore Concession in favor of Planet One.
The Executive Mansion said the directive followed a review by the Special Presidential Committee chaired by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung Sr., which had earlier considered a potential transfer based on accelerated transaction timelines.
However, President Boakai’s final decision was reportedly influenced by the existence of a binding Memorandum of Agreement signed in December 2025 with Africa Metallic Resources, which the government says remains valid and enforceable.
As a result, the government has instructed that all obligations, provisions, and opportunities under the AMR agreement be fully pursued before any alternative arrangement is considered.
The government said the move is intended to protect Liberia from possible legal disputes, uphold contractual commitments, and ensure that redevelopment of the Putu concession proceeds within a transparent and lawful framework.
