Over Major Safety and Compliance Violations
Bong County – The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has mandated that Huiren Mining Company’s operations in Bong County be immediately suspended due to violations of safety, environmental, and regulatory norms.
Over the weekend, the Director of Mines, Alwell Aloysius Carr, and the Deputy Inspector General for Mines, Adolphus Gleekia, conducted a high-level technical assessment that revealed what authorities called a systemic failure by the company to adhere to established mining regulations and safety protocols.
The Ministry alleges that the examination showed that the business was unable to produce requisite production reports and other important documents needed for regulatory compliance and operational transparency. Additionally, inspectors found significant structural issues at the mining site, including an unstable and dangerous shaft collar that puts workers at risk.
Concerns regarding worker welfare and compliance with occupational health and safety regulations were raised by additional results that showed the mine and processing facilities lacked fundamental health and safety precautions.
The Mines and Energy Ministry particularly found that Huiren Mining Company incorrectly stores dangerous chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide, sodium cyanide (NaCN), ammonium nitrate, and other reagents and oxidising agents, during the compliance examination. The Ministry observes that there is a serious risk to human health and the environment from the unlawful and dangerous storage of certain substances.
Authorities reaffirmed that adherence to Liberia’s mining and minerals legislation as well as environmental rules is a vital need for all businesses in the sector, emphasizing that such transgressions will not be tolerated.
The inspection team suggested that Huiren Mining Company be sanctioned in accordance with applicable mining and environmental legislation as part of enforcement proceedings. Along with a thorough examination into the sourcing and use of chemicals in its Carbon-In-Leach (CIL) operations, the Ministry has also started a thorough inquiry to determine the entire scope of the company’s ore production activities and plant recovery procedures.
Operations at the Huiren location in Bong County will continue to be suspended while a thorough compliance audit is conducted, according to the Ministry. Only after resolving all found flaws and exhibiting rigorous commitment to safety, environmental, and regulatory standards will the business be permitted to resume operations.
