January 20, 2026- KARLUWAY, Maryland County — A Chinese-owned mining company operating in southeastern Liberia has come under growing public scrutiny amid allegations of illegal mining, weak regulatory oversight, and failure to honor commitments to host communities. The company, Duke Global Investment Limited, is accused by residents of Gbeken Town in Karluway Electoral District #3 of exploiting local natural resources without proper authorization or tangible community benefits, something the firm’s management firmly denies.
According to residents, Duke Global has been conducting mining-related activities deep within forested areas of Gbeken Town, where access is limited and oversight appears minimal. Community members allege that Chinese nationals are residing in makeshift shelters near the site and operating dredging equipment, raising serious concerns about environmental damage and unlawful extraction of minerals.
During a visit by a team of journalists to the area on January 16, 2026, residents described what they see as a vacuum of government regulation, allowing foreign operators to function with little accountability. Locals claim that the absence of effective monitoring by state authorities has forced communities into direct negotiations with the company in a bid to secure minimal benefits from the use of their land.
Community leaders said the company’s operators later apologized for violating local customs and traditions, leading to discussions aimed at establishing a social agreement. Among the community’s demands were a monthly payment of L$100,000, quarterly surface rental fees of US$1,500, the construction of an elementary school, salaries for three volunteer teachers, road rehabilitation, installation of hand pumps, and regular community development contributions.
However, residents allege that these commitments—reportedly captured in a verbal memorandum of understanding—were never formalized and remain unfulfilled. They further noted that similar demands were previously made to Soar Mining Company, which allegedly abandoned the area without meeting its obligations.
“Though we cannot fight them, the people who should speak for us—officials from the Ministry of Mines and Energy—go there and later appear to be speaking on behalf of the Chinese,” one community source lamented.
Residents also raised concerns about the daily movement of Chinese nationals in and out of the area under what they described as unclear circumstances. “We do not know whether they have proper government authorization, but we believe our own people are part of the problem,” the source added.
Further questions have been raised by the reported presence of Police Support Unit (PSU) officers assigned to the mining site, prompting speculation about the legitimacy and protection of the company’s operations.
Confirming the absence of a binding agreement, Gbeken Town’s Chief Elder and High Priest, Isaac T. Seeblee, stated that no formal contract has been concluded between the community and Duke Global Investment Limited. He explained that two local miners initially operated in the area before Soar Mining Company took over, only to be later ordered out by officials from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, who reportedly claimed the land had been allocated exclusively to Duke Global.
“We stopped Duke Global from operating, and they came to apologize,” Chief Elder Seeblee said. “They asked for permission to work, which we granted on conditions that they would provide benefits. Up to now, none of those promises have been fulfilled.”
He further alleged that whenever the community attempts to halt operations due to unmet obligations, Maryland County Superintendent Henry B. Cole intervenes, urging residents to allow the company to continue working.
“Our land is rich, yet we continue to suffer,” Seeblee added. “Companies tell us they are sent by the government or our lawmakers. We do not want conflict with the government, so we allow them, but we gain nothing.”
Responding to the allegations, Duke Global’s Liberian Manager, Opah Robertson, denied claims of illegal mining, insisting that the company is currently engaged only in mineral prospection, not full-scale mining operations. He explained that Duke Global has not yet secured additional permits, including approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), because prospection activities, which began in November 2024, are still ongoing.
“Yes, we came here in November, but we have not started normal operations because of pressure from the town and county authorities,” Robertson said. He assured that once prospection is completed and full operations commence, the company will obtain all required permits and address community concerns.
Efforts by journalists to obtain comments from Maryland County Superintendent Henry B. Cole were unsuccessful, as repeated calls went unanswered. Similarly, attempts to reach the Ministry of Mines and Energy agent assigned to Maryland County failed, as the official was unreachable at the time of filing this report.
As allegations persist and official responses remain limited, residents of Gbeken Town are calling for an independent investigation into Duke Global’s activities, stronger enforcement of mining laws, and transparent engagement to ensure that Liberia’s natural resources benefit local communities rather than deepen their hardship.
Investigation contiues
