Standstill at China Union Mining Site; Workers Protest over MDA Violation, Poor Working Conditions and Unmet Promises

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: Normal working activities were completely paralyzed on Monday, November 3, 2025, in the China Union concession area in Bong Mines, Bong County as hundreds of aggrieved workers staged a peaceful protest, demanding that the company address what they described as “long-standing and burning issues.”

The protesting workers blocked all major access roads leading to the concession and vowed not to resume work until their grievances are addressed. The demonstration, which drew the attention of local authorities and community dwellers, brought operations at the Chinese-operated mining company to a total standstill for several hours.

Speaking on behalf of the protesting workers, Mr. Edward Neboe, head of the workers’ leadership, accused China Union of blatantly violating several provisions of the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) it signed with the Government of Liberia.

According to Neboe, the company has over the years failed to live up to its contractual and social responsibilities toward its employees and host communities.

“China Union has refused to provide the basic benefits and social services clearly spelled out in the MDA,” Neboe said angrily. “We have no medical benefits, no educational support for our children, and we are forced to drink unsafe water. The company has completely ignored its obligations,” Neboe stated.

He explained that workers have repeatedly complained about the lack of medical facilities within the concession area.

“When our colleagues fall sick or get injured on the job, there is no proper medical care provided by the company. We have to spend from our own pockets to seek treatment,” he said.

In addition to poor social services, Neboe highlighted the company’s alleged disregard for employment provisions that prioritize the hiring of qualified Liberians over foreigners. He noted that despite the presence of trained Liberian professionals in the labor market, China Union continues to employ foreign nationals for positions that Liberians are capable of performing.

Neboe: “There are many Liberians who are qualified to work as drivers, operators of heavy-duty equipment, and supervisors. Yet China Union prefers to bring in foreigners for these jobs,” Neboe emphasized. “This is not only unfair but a direct violation of the MDA.”

The workers also expressed deep concern about the company’s neglect of workplace safety. According to Neboe, employees are often forced to work in hazardous environments without proper protective gear. “We risk our lives every day,” he said. “The safety conditions here are terrible. The management does not care about our well-being.”

The workers further expressed disappointment in the Government of Liberia for what they described as its “silence and inaction” in the face of repeated complaints. Neboe revealed that several petitions and reports have been sent to the Ministries of Labor, Mines and Energy, but nothing tangible has been done to address their plight.

“We have engaged the Labor Ministry and the Ministry of Mines and Energy several times, but they have not taken any meaningful action. It feels like the government has abandoned us,” he lamented.

When contacted, senior management staff of China Union who were seen at the protest site declined to comment on the situation. They referred journalists to the company’s head office in Monrovia, which could not be immediately reached for comment.

However, the Assistant Minister for Trade Union and Social Dialogue, Rufus Saylee, later addressed the media and appealed for calm. He assured the workers that the Ministry of Labor was fully aware of their grievances and would ensure that their concerns are addressed in accordance with labor laws.

“We are calling on all parties to remain peaceful and maintain industrial harmony,” Saylee said. “The Ministry will not sweep this matter under the carpet. We are working to engage China Union’s management to ensure that the provisions of the MDA and Liberia’s labor laws are respected.”

Minister Saylee also warned that the government would not tolerate any employer violating the rights of Liberian workers or failing to comply with contractual obligations.

Meanwhile, local residents in the surrounding communities expressed support for the protesting workers, noting that they too have suffered from the company’s failure to provide promised social services such as schools, clinics, and safe drinking water.

As of late Monday evening, normal operations at the concession had yet to resume, while negotiations between the Ministry of Labor and China Union management were said to be ongoing.

The China Union concession, located in Bong Mines, was once one of Liberia’s most vibrant mining operations. However, recent years have seen mounting tensions between workers, local communities, and the company over alleged breaches of the MDA and poor working conditions.