The Putu Contact Group (PCG) Inc., a citizen group from Grand Gedeh, has commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for renewing national attention on the Putu Iron Ore Project. In March, President Boakai directed the government to expedite the project's finalization and operationalization. The project will be led by Africa Metallic Resources (AMR). The group welcomes the development but wants host communities to be treated as development partners, not spectators.
The PCG Inc. has called for legal rights, community participation, and fair benefit-sharing in the project. They also emphasized the need for employment opportunities for Grand Gedeans, especially residents of the affected communities. Additionally, the group stressed the importance of local content, environmental protection, transparency, and long-term development. The communities believe the current momentum presents an opportunity to establish a new model of responsible mineral development.
The Putu communities have developed a Community Negotiation Position & Term Sheet to guide discussions with AMR toward a comprehensive and legally enforceable Community Development Agreement (CDA). The proposed framework addresses community consultation and participation, a dedicated Community Development Fund, and employment and skills development for Liberians. The framework also focuses on progressive management localization and succession planning, local procurement, and infrastructure development.
The PCG Inc. emphasized that their proposals are not intended to undermine the government's authority or delay investment. Rather, they aim to strengthen the project's long-term social and economic foundation. A successful mining project should be measured not only by the quantity of ore extracted but also by the quality of jobs created and opportunities for future generations.
The Putu Contact Group Inc. called on the Government of Liberia to ensure that the project's revitalization is accompanied by strong community participation and transparency. They also urged AMR to work with Putu communities toward a comprehensive CDA containing measurable, funded, and enforceable commitments. The communities remain united and peaceful as negotiations progress.
The group believes that responsible investment and strong community development are not competing objectives. They can and should reinforce each other. The Putu communities stand ready to work with the Government of Liberia and AMR to make this vision a reality. The project's success will be measured by its impact on the local community and the country as a whole.
The Putu Project-Affected Communities look forward to engaging with the government, AMR, and other stakeholders in a spirit of mutual respect and shared national purpose. They are committed to creating lasting value for Liberia and a durable development legacy for the people of Putu and Grand Gedeh County. The communities' position is clear: the project should move forward, but in a manner that creates lasting value for all stakeholders.
Key points
- The Putu Contact Group Inc. demands inclusiveness and community participation in the Putu Iron Ore Project's development process.
- The group has developed a Community Negotiation Position & Term Sheet to guide discussions with AMR toward a comprehensive CDA.
- The communities believe responsible investment and strong community development can reinforce each other.
