By 
Monrovia, Liberia — The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has issued a scathing response to recent claims by Steelford Mining Company, warning that no mining license has been granted for the iron ore tailings in Grand Bassa County and any transaction made outside the law amounts to contraband.
In a strongly worded press release, the Ministry made it clear that it had no hand in a reported payment of US\$500,000 allegedly made by Steelford Mining to local actors in Grand Bassa. The Ministry stressed that only it holds the legal authority to issue mining licenses in Liberia, as mandated by the Minerals and Mining Law of 2000 and other applicable regulations.
“The Ministry of Mines and Energy has absolutely nothing to do with whatever financial transactions Steelford Mining may have entered into,” the statement read. “Such actions do not influence, bind, or obligate the Ministry in any form.”
The dispute over the Grand Bassa iron ore tailings is currently before the Honorable Supreme Court of Liberia, and the Ministry says it will not take any action until the Court renders its decision.
“Under these circumstances, no individual, company, or group has the authority or right to enter any deal concerning the iron ore tailings,” the Ministry warned. “Anyone who does so is aiding in what could be classified as contraband activity and will be prosecuted.”
The Ministry further cautioned all would-be investors and local actors to desist from unlawful engagements, vowing to uphold the law without “fear, favor, pressure, or blackmail.”
