By Alfred Kollie, alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia — The Chairman of the group, “Give Liberia Economy Back to Liberians” initiative, James Emmanuel Brooks is calling on the government to award the Putu iron ore mining concession to a Liberian-owned company.
He argues that such a move would strengthen local participation and expand job opportunities.
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Mr. Brooks stressed that allowing Liberians to operate the Putu Iron Ore Project would ensure citizens are no longer “spectators in their own economy,” a concern frequently echoed across the country.
He said prioritizing foreign companies over local businesses is unfair and undermines national economic empowerment.
Brooks maintained that granting the concession to a Liberian-owned entity would advance the government’s Liberianization policy and give qualified Liberian bidders a fair chance.
He urged citizens to support local businesses, adding that government backing for Liberian enterprises would mark a significant step under the administration of Joseph Boakai.
This latest position by “Give Liberia Economy Back to Liberians” initiative comes as Africa Metallic Resources Inc. (AMR), a Liberian-led consortium, recently emerged as the preferred developer for the acquisition and development of the Putu asset following a competitive evaluation process.
The company has welcomed the government’s decision to establish a dedicated committee to fast-track the project’s development and finalize the transaction.
Meanwhile, residents in communities surrounding the Putu Mountain concession in Grand Gedeh County are also raising concerns, calling for meaningful inclusion as efforts intensify to restart mining operations.
Locals report worsening living conditions, particularly the lack of access to public healthcare.
Community members allege that although a health facility exists within the concession area, it is reserved for company use, leaving residents without essential medical services.
With renewed national focus on reopening the mine, residents say they are willing to support any operator that prioritizes their welfare and provides tangible benefits according to report.
They emphasized the need for job opportunities and greater access to resources tied to the region’s natural wealth.
The Putu Mountain deposit is regarded as one of the world’s largest untapped iron ore reserves, with estimates ranging between 2.37 billion and 4.5 billion tons.
The concession is currently held by Putu Iron Ore Mining Inc., previously linked to Severstal.
However, the company has remained inactive for years due to financial constraints, restructuring challenges, and failure to meet key obligations under its Mineral Development Agreement.
The prolonged dormancy of the project has left surrounding communities without the anticipated economic and social benefits, increasing pressure on the government to ensure that any new arrangement delivers meaningful impact for Liberians.