PHOTO: Western Cluster officials addressing Journalists in Monrovia
By Alfred Kollie, alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
Amidst disenchantment expressed by locals about the operation of Western Cluster Limited, the company has affirmed its commitment to work within the framework of the original Mineral Development Agreement and any other rules and regulations relating to its operations in Liberia.
Western Cluster Limited or WCL, a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, says it is partnering with the growth journey of Liberia to produce best-in-class high-quality iron ore concentrate from its operations in the western region part of Liberia.
According to the company, they are committed to working with the Liberian Government and its people for the mutual benefit of all sides and assure the Liberian Government and people of their commitment to comply with and abide by all applicable laws, which control or cover mining operations, especially the Decent Work Act.
Speaking at the news conference in Monrovia Monday, January 30, 2023, the External relation and administrator of the company Bomi Branch Samuel Brown noted that maximum opportunity will be given to Liberians for training and employment.
Mr. Brown maintained that the company will conduct thorough internal reviews and take appropriate action noting that they are prepared to institute corrective measures to ensure that the Liberian Government and no person stands at a loss, injury, or any inconvenience by their operations wherever there is any allegation of transgression or violation of any law or regulation.
“Those officials of the Liberian Government who worked with us and continue to work with us for this restart of our operations were and continue to be vigilant in ensuring that the Liberian Government and people are treated fairly, while strictly to Liberian law, our Mineral Development Agreement and principles of the iron ore industry. We wish to assure the Liberian Government and people of our commitment to these general principles to facilitate smooth and productive mutual benefits for our Group and the Liberian Government and its people,’’ the Western Cluster official added.
Commenting on the Memorandum of Understanding or MOU, Mr. Brown explained that the MOU which is a temporary instrument that does not affect the Mineral Development Agreement has been misrepresented in the media for various baseless and unfounded reasons.
‘’What is important to note is that under no parity of reasoning could WCL resume its operations after several years of suspension without an enabling intermediate agreement with the Liberian Government’’ He said.
He observed that the MOU is enabling an intermediate agreement; and under the MOU, WCL has provided additional monetary contributions to upgrade and maintain the Tubmanburg to St. Paul River Bridge road, which was virtually unpassable before.
“Under the MOU, another payment of US$5 million was made for community development for Cape Mount County, Gbarpolu County, and Bomi County. And further under the MOU, the road permit was granted by the Ministry of Public Works, and the Class A Mining License was granted by the Ministry of Mines and Energy after a second and more contemporary review of the Feasibility Study,” Western Cluster says.
According to Brown, since 2011, approximately US$ 300 million has been invested in Liberia by Western Cluster Limited and its parent company Sesa Goa a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited.