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Mittal Syeel Agreement Suffers Another Setback
Mar 8, 2007
Michael Kpayili
As jobs seekers geared up to commence operation at the former Lamco Company now owned by Mittal Steel Company, major setback in the commencement of operations at the iron Ore mining Company have been observed. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says Mittal Steel will not commence any operation until it meets policies and guidelines instituted in the Environmental Laws of Liberia.
Speaking at the Mittal Steel first hearing before the Senate Committee on Lands, Mines, Energy, Natural resources and environmental on Wednesday, the Executive Director of EPA Ben Donnie maintained that until Mittal Steel gets the requisite environmental management control certificates, mining operations at the company will be vehemently opposed despite any passage of the agreement by the senate.
“EPA standards and guidelines have been presented to the management of Mittal Steel and it is our hope that a realistic importance will be attached as it is required to submit to the EPA its environmental management plan in order to obtained absolute guarantee from both sides”, EPA Boss asserted.
He said although copy of the mineral development agreement has not been issued the EPA for review, significant priority will be given to the people and the impact ore extraction will be to the environment.
Also speaking at the hearing, the Minister of Land, Mines and Energy Eugene Shannoh stressed the review of the contract of Mittal Steel after every five years. Not commenting significantly on the policies of environmental issues, Minister Shannoh intimated that over 300,000 Liberians stand to benefit from the agreement if passed by the Liberian Senate.
Mittal Steel agreement was initially signed by the National Transitional Government of Liberia but was later reviewed by the Unity Party led government which accordingly will invest US 1 billion dollars over five years period.
“Mittal Steel is here to stay and work in the interest of Liberians. The condition set up by EPA is no major obstacle to the huge contract”, says John Flomo, an eager jobseeker eyeing employment at Mittal Steel soon.
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