Revokes Four Chinese Workers’ Permits
Monrovia, Liberia – In a broad enforcement action against Bangli, a Chinese mining company operating in the China Union concession area in Bong Mines, Labor Minister Cooper W. Kruah has revoked the work permits of four Chinese nationals found to be in violation of Liberia’s labor laws and issued a 30-day ultimatum for significant improvements in workers’ welfare.
Following a recent strike by Liberian workers, Minister Kruah and a group of labor inspectors conducted an unexpected tour of the company’s facilities on Friday, November 14, 2025. The visit revealed deficiencies in worker welfare, safety, cleanliness, and adherence to labor laws—problems the Minister deemed intolerable.
Minister Kruah gave Bangli a 30-day deadline to build or complete a clinic during the meeting with employees and business executives. He demanded that in order to handle occupational crises, the facility must have an ambulance service and be manned by a Liberian physician or nurse.
In addition to lowering health hazards for workers, he pointed out that an on-site clinic staffed by qualified Liberians would provide prompt medical care for accidents and injuries sustained at work. He underlined, “You have to have a clinic and an ambulance here for your employees. It doesn’t have to be large, but it needs to be accessible whenever one of your employees becomes ill or is injured.”
Bangli was given two weeks to supply suitable safety equipment, such as PPEs, helmets, boots, and gloves, in addition to the medical facility. Despite the hazardous nature of the mining environment, workers claim that these supplies have been inadequate.
In addition, the Labor Minister ordered the building of a borehole and adequate restrooms within 60 days, emphasizing the importance of clean water and sanitation in preserving a healthy workforce. Any delays, he continued, would be interpreted as a disrespect for the rights and dignity of Liberian laborers.
The confusion surrounding Social Security deductions was another persistent issue brought up by the employees. In order to guarantee that workers obtain their Social Security cards and benefits promptly, Minister Kruah directed Bangli’s management to implement a more transparent system.
The Minister called for long-term living facilities within the concession area while recognizing the company’s efforts to provide workers with transportation, food, and drinking water. However, he provided a more flexible schedule for that project.
But when Minister Kruah found four Chinese nationals doing carpenter work on a temporary structure close to the facility’s entrance activity that was not permitted by their permits the visit took a dramatic turn. The Minister promptly ordered the collection of their information and instantly declared that their employment licenses would be revoked.
Formal revocation letters are anticipated to be sent to Li Shuat Hua, Zhang Hong Wei, Zhang Wei Chai, and another unidentified employee who left the scene this week. Minister Kruah cautioned Bangli’s management that failing to provide the runaway worker’s identify would be interpreted as sheltering unauthorized foreign workers, which is illegal under Liberian labor law.
He warned the business that although President Joseph Nyumah Boakai welcomes international investment, his administration will not put up with labor laws being broken or actions that harm Liberian workers. The Minister underlined, “We want businesses to operate, but they must do so with transparency and dignity for labor.”
Bangli’s General Manager, Lyu Wen Yin, responded by thanking the delegation for coming and promising to follow the Ministry’s instructions to the letter. He said that although the company already has a clinic with a Chinese doctor on staff and is building five restrooms, it would now take into consideration hiring a Liberian doctor as advised.
Additionally, Mr. Wen Yin reaffirmed Bangli’s dedication to enhancing sanitation, increasing worker housing options, and guaranteeing a cordial working relationship with labor authorities and employees. He stated that the company intends to invest millions in its activities in Liberia and now employs over 160 Liberians and over 50 Chinese nationals.
Sam Kpehe, the president of the workers’ union, praised the business for offering food, water, and transportation services while acknowledging issues with sanitation and worries about Social Security deductions. He asked management to guarantee workers receive their Social Security cards promptly.
The government’s enforcement strategy for labor compliance in foreign-owned businesses operating in Liberia has sharply escalated, with Minister Kruah’s intervention coming just days after the workers went on strike over welfare concerns.
All eyes are now on Bangli as the 30-day countdown gets underway, following the issuance of the ultimatum, the completion of the inspections, and the revocation of work licenses. This might be a pivotal moment in labor reform and corporate accountability in the mining industry.
Reported by: Prince Saah
