By Amos Harris
Bomi County, Liberia – The Ministry of Mines and Energy recently concluded a comprehensive technical working visit to Bao Chico Mining Company in Bomi County to assess the company’s proposal for a new port facility on the Atlantic Ocean. This new port is intended for the export of iron ore.
The high-level technical delegation, led by Deputy Minister for Operations William Hines and including Deputy Minister for Planning, Research, and Development Fahnseth Mulbah, engaged with Bao Chico executives during a day-long assessment. The delegation reviewed design blueprints and technical layouts for the proposed port infrastructure, offering expert recommendations to ensure compliance with international safety and environmental standards.
During discussions with General Manager John Jallah and other senior Bao Chico officials, the Ministry’s team emphasized the necessity of modern engineering practices and sustainable construction methods. The Ministry specifically stressed that the proposed docking facility must rectify the shortcomings of a previously built structure along the Po River, which reportedly faced technical challenges and failed to facilitate ore transportation to the Freeport of Monrovia as intended.
The technical team conducted a field inspection of the targeted Atlantic coastline and the Po River tributary, the planned location for the port project. This inspection aimed to assess the terrain, water accessibility, and overall feasibility of the new construction plans.
“We are committed to ensuring that mining infrastructure projects in Liberia not only meet international safety standards but also contribute to sustainable national development,” stated Deputy Minister Hines during the field visit. “Our team will remain actively engaged with Bao Chico to ensure this project is executed properly, both technically and environmentally.”
The Ministry also reiterated its mandate to regulate and monitor extractive activities, emphasizing that projects of this nature must generate economic value for Liberia through employment opportunities, local content participation, and increased revenue for the national treasury.
This visit is part of the Ministry of Mines and Energy’s broader efforts to strengthen its institutional presence and oversight within Liberia’s mineral sector. It aligns with the government’s drive to promote transparency and responsible investment in mining concessions.
In addition to Deputy Ministers Hines and Mulbah, the assessment team included Mining Engineer Samuel Wilson and Geologist Levi Sendolo, both from the Ministry’s Department of Operations. A formal technical report from the field visit is expected to be presented to the senior leadership of the Ministry in the coming days for further evaluation and policy direction.
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