By Amos Harris
Former Minister of Mines and Energy Wilmot Paye has raised serious concerns over the reported sale of Kitomo Mountain near Sanniquellie, Nimba County, to Cavilla Resource Company, warning that the transaction could undermine the county’s long-term economic interests if its natural resources are not properly managed.
Mr. Paye’s concerns come amid reports that Cavilla Resource Company is expected to begin mining operations at the mountain soon, a development he believes requires greater public scrutiny and the active involvement of Nimba County political leaders, the business community, and other local stakeholders.
The former minister questioned whether the reported transaction represents the best economic opportunity for the people of Nimba, arguing that the continued exploitation of the county’s mineral resources without a clear long-term development strategy could leave future generations with limited economic opportunities.
He warned that Nimba County risks losing valuable non-renewable resources for what he considers inadequate economic returns, particularly if the benefits of mining activities are not translated into meaningful improvements in the lives of local residents. Paye stressed that mineral resources should not be treated merely as commodities for immediate financial gains but as national and county assets that require responsible management, local participation, and sustainable development policies.
He further questioned why prominent Nimba County businesspeople were not considered for possible participation in the development of Kitomo Mountain. Among those he mentioned were Floyd Tomah, Pharee Dekpah, and Prince Howard, whom he believes could have been encouraged to establish a locally driven mining enterprise.
Although acknowledging that the individuals mentioned may not have direct experience in the mining sector, Paye argued that their involvement through partnerships and local investments could have created opportunities for Nimba-owned businesses to participate in the exploitation of the county’s mineral wealth. He maintained that greater local investment in the mining sector could generate employment, strengthen indigenous businesses, expand economic opportunities, and ensure that more of the benefits derived from natural resources remain within Nimba County.
The former minister also drew comparisons with Lofa County, pointing to Mount Wologizi as an example of a natural resource that should be approached with a long-term preservation and development strategy. He suggested that Nimba should adopt a similar vision rather than allowing its mineral resources to be depleted without adequate consideration for future generations.
His remarks have brought renewed attention to broader concerns surrounding Liberia’s mining industry, particularly regarding the transparency of mineral agreements, community participation, environmental protection, and the distribution of benefits from natural resource exploitation.
While the reported development of Kitomo Mountain could create employment and investment opportunities, critical questions remain about the terms of the transaction, the expected financial benefits for Nimba County, and whether affected communities will receive adequate compensation and development opportunities. There are also concerns about the potential environmental and social consequences of mining activities, including land degradation, water pollution, displacement, and the impact on surrounding communities if appropriate safeguards are not enforced.
As the reported mining project moves toward commencement, the Government of Liberia, relevant regulatory institutions, and Nimba County authorities face growing expectations to clarify the nature of the transaction and make relevant information available to the public.
Ultimately, the central question is whether the reported arrangement with Cavilla Resource Company will deliver lasting economic benefits to the people of Nimba or become another case in which valuable natural resources are exploited while local communities receive limited returns. Former Minister Paye’s warning has placed the management of Kitomo Mountain at the center of a wider debate over resource ownership, local investment, accountability, and the responsibility of present leaders to protect the economic interests of future generations.