THE MINISTRY OF MINES OF Liberia as the statutory agency responsible for the mining sector including mineral, water, and energy resource exploration, coordination, and development must see the need to collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to probe in to the gold rush mining site of Newaken Community, Trehn Statutory District, Grand Kru County, which has become a center of a growing dispute among Miners as competing parties seek to establish their rights to conduct mining activities in the area.
EVEN THOUGH THE DISPUTE which persists between the Southeastern Multipurpose Cooperative Society and Hongyun Mining Company Inc. has reached the Worktaken Magisterial Court, but the EPA and the Ministry of Mine need to intervene to ensure that environmental laws are observed and the both companies are using the appropriate mining licenses.
THE DISAGREEMENT WHICH HAS also raised concerns about the management of mining activities in the area and the need for proper documentation of mining claims to prevent conflicts among communities, cooperatives, and mining companies must be giving serious attention to avoid calamity
THE MINERS ARE ABUSING THE land, if swift intervention and care is not taken, there will be nothing like farmland left for farming activities, because during visits to the disputed site on July 20 and 21, 2026, a team of reporters reportedly observed the presence of three excavators, one front-end loader, and other heavy-duty equipment at the location, something that is alarming. One excavator was reportedly seen operating, while large quantities of gravel were observed stockpiled at the site. Extensive land clearing was also visible.
THE PRESENCE OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT at the location has intensified questions surrounding who authorized the reported activities and whether the parties involved have the necessary legal rights to operate at the site.
THERE HAS BEEN CLAIMS AND counter-claims as the Southeastern Multipurpose Cooperative Society has accused Hongyun Mining Company Inc. and several individuals of entering mining claims allegedly belonging to its members and conducting mining activities without authorization.
THE COOPERATIVE'S COMPLAINT is currently before the Worktaken Magisterial Court with allegations of criminal trespass, theft of property, and disorderly conduct.
COURT RECORDS INDICATE THAT a Writ of Arrest was issued on July 7, 2026, following the filing of the complaint. The matter is expected to be heard where the court could provide further direction on the competing claims and the activities taking place at the site, yet, this does not negate the fact that EPA and Ministry of Mines need to intervene.
EVEN THOUGH THE SOUTHEASTERN Multipurpose Cooperative Society President, Elton Macarthy Wiah claimed that the cooperative is seeking legal protection for the interests of its members. Wiah said the decision to go to court was aimed at preventing confrontation and allowing the legal system to resolve the disagreement.
IT IS OUR BELIEVE THEY WENT to court because they want peace, but the refusal or failure for the MOM and the EPA to intervene could further degenerate the already tension to a larger Propulsion.
