By Maryland TV
GBEKEN TOWN, MARYLAND COUNTY – Residents of Karluway, Maryland County Electoral District #3, have raised alarms over the operations of a Chinese-owned mining firm, Duke Global Investment Limited, alleging the company is extracting gold without proper legal authorization.
The controversy centers on Gbeken Town—the hometown of former presidential candidate Alexander B. Cummings—where locals claim the company is utilizing dredging machinery without a valid license, environmental safeguards, or a formal community benefit agreement.
Monitoring Challenges and Governance Concerns
Access to the mining site has proven difficult for both regulators and the public. Workers are reportedly housed in temporary forest shelters near the operational zone, creating a barrier to transparency. During a site visit on January 16, 2026, residents expressed frustration over what they termed “weak enforcement” of Liberia’s mining laws.
Community leaders noted that the absence of state oversight has forced them to negotiate directly with the miners. According to local sources, the company has previously apologized for violating traditional customs but has yet to formalize a legal framework for its presence.
Unfulfilled Promises and Stalled MOUs
Negotiations for a social contribution package have stalled. Residents reported demanding:
- Monthly surface rental: LD$100,000
- Quarterly payments: US$1,500
- Infrastructure: Completion of an elementary school, road rehabilitation, and the construction of hand pumps.
While a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was discussed, community members say Duke Global has not signed the document. They cited past experiences with a previous operator, Soar Mining Company, which reportedly left the area without fulfilling similar development promises.
Conflicting Statements from Officials
The situation has been further complicated by contradictory statements from local and national authorities:
- The Company’s Stance: Liberian Manager Opah Robertson denied that full-scale mining has begun. He stated that the firm has only been engaged in “prospection” since November 2024 and argued that additional permits, including Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval, would be secured once the exploration phase concludes.
- The Superintendent’s Position: Maryland County Superintendent Henry B. Cole contradicted the community’s claims, asserting that a formal agreement has already been signed. He has urged residents to refrain from using road blocks or traditional means to disrupt the company’s work.
- Local Leadership: Chief Elder Isaac T. Seeblee maintains that no formal agreement exists. He alleged that when the community attempts to halt operations over unmet obligations, Superintendent Cole intervenes to allow the company to continue.
Growing Suspicion
The presence of Liberia National Police (PSU) personnel at the site has fueled public suspicion regarding state backing for the disputed operations. Furthermore, community members have questioned the legal status of several Chinese nationals observed moving frequently in and out of the forest zone.
As of late January 2026, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, currently led by Minister R. Matenokay Tingban, has not issued a formal statement regarding the specific licensing status of Duke Global Investment Limited in Maryland County.