Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-04-05 01:45:00
The issue of Chinese mining and exportation of black sand in Liberia has sparked public concern, yet the Government of Liberia has remained silent on the matter. The Ministry of Mines and Energy has been tight-lipped about a Chinese sand mining company’s activities in the Waterside community of Virginia township in Montserrado County. Video evidence shows bags of black sand being gathered by Chinese miners for exportation, with one ton of black sand fetching around US$12,000 on the global market.
Residents in the Waterside community have raised alarms about the monthly exportation of tons of black sand by Chinese miners, who are also involved in beach and river sand mining for construction purposes, a practice that goes against Liberian laws. The Ministry’s lack of response has raised questions about whether authorities are aware and have approved these export activities.
Sand mining, which should be reserved for Liberian-owned businesses under the Liberianization Policy, has been overrun by foreign-owned firms, particularly Chinese companies, since the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. This has led to accusations of bribery and favoritism towards Chinese companies by lawmakers and the Executive, compromising the effectiveness of the Liberianization Policy.
The influx of Chinese involvement in the sand mining industry has driven up prices significantly, making construction more expensive in one of the poorest countries globally. Efforts by the media to engage with officials at the Ministry of Mines and Energy have been largely unsuccessful, with key personnel unavailable or unwilling to comment on the matter.
The Ministry has dispatched a team to investigate the situation, highlighting the need for a thorough scientific assessment before any public statements are made. Meanwhile, Assistant Minister Edison Tangbe Edison, a former student leader, has promised to provide more information on the issue but has yet to follow through on his commitment.
Black sand, also known as magnetite sand or iron ore sand, is a valuable resource with various industrial applications. Its high iron content makes it ideal for use in concrete and asphalt production, enhancing the strength and durability of these materials. Additionally, black sand is crucial in steelmaking as it contains essential iron ore necessary for the production of steel used in infrastructure and automobile manufacturing.
The unique properties of black sand also make it useful in water filtration systems, coastal erosion prevention projects, and renewable energy production systems like wave energy converters. Its weight and magnetic properties contribute to improving the efficiency of such systems while anchoring structures in ocean environments.
The Government of Liberia’s silence on the Chinese mining and exportation of black sand raises concerns about regulatory oversight and adherence to national laws. The need for transparency and accountability in the mining industry is crucial to prevent exploitation of resources and ensure sustainable development for the country.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
