By Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
Normal operations have resumed at the China Union Iron Ore Mining Company in Bong Mines, Bong County, following the signing of a 14-count Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the company and its striking workers on Monday, November 10, 2025.
The agreement brings to an end a week-long industrial standoff during which workers demanded better working conditions, while affected communities raised concerns about benefits from the company’s operations.
The intervention of the Ministries of Labour, Mines and Energy, along with the Superintendents of Bong and Margibi Counties and local lawmakers, Representatives Foday Fahnbulleh of Bong County District #7 and Emmanuel Yah of Margibi County District #4, helped resolve the dispute through negotiations.
After several days of talks, the parties, including the United Workers Union of Liberia (UWUL), China Union management, and representatives of affected communities, agreed to an 18-count position statement, which formed the basis of the signed MOU.
Under the agreement, China Union committed to ensuring that all jobs reserved for Liberians under national labor standards are assigned to qualified Liberian workers within one month.
The company also agreed to provide training for Liberians to operate specialized mining equipment.
The MOU further calls for the rehiring of redundant workers within one month and the inclusion of housing discussions in upcoming negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
As part of its social responsibility commitments, China Union pledged to rehabilitate the Bong Mines Hospital within nine months to ensure adequate healthcare for its employees and nearby communities.
In the short term, the company will open its main health facility to Liberian workers, provide on-site medical services, and hire private healthcare providers to serve surrounding areas.
Additionally, China Union and relevant government institutions, including the Ministries of Mines and Energy, Labour, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — will conduct a three-month joint assessment to install hand pumps in each affected community and ensure farmers and residents have access to concession roads or alternative routes.
Other key provisions include adopting a new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policy, ensuring proper NASSCORP contributions, providing office space for the workers’ union, and granting unhindered access to government inspectors.
The issue of scrap distribution was also addressed. Within two weeks, the company will collaborate with the Ministry of Mines and Energy and county scrap committees in Bong and Margibi to identify and hand over scrap materials as part of local social development benefits.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy, in a statement, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peaceful industrial relations in Liberia’s mining sector and called on all parties to uphold the MOU’s provisions to prevent future unrest.
