MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Uncontrollable and unregulated rock and sand mining activities in Liberia have claimed the attention of the Liberian Senate.

The Senate’s attention was drawn to these activities by Grand Kru County Senator, Numene Bartekwa.

Senator Bartekwa’s communication is noted as saying that unregulated mining of Liberia’s industrial resources, including rocks and sand, has no benefit to the government and affected communities.

The Grand Kru County Senator alleged that foreign nationals are only concerned about acquiring a mining license, but fail to pay royalty to the government and uphold their Corporate Social Responsibilities.

Senator Bartekwa pleaded with Plenary to engage relevant ministries and agencies to ensure that companies involved adhere to the law governing such activities.

Meanwhile, the communication has been forwarded to the Joint Committees on Mines, Energy, Ways and Means, Finance, and Budget.

At the same time, Senator Bartekwa has refuted media reports that he is conflicted by a trucking contract with ArcelorMittal-Liberia.

The Liberian Daily Observer Online News dated December 9, 2025, published an article accusing Senators Saah Joseph and Numene Bartekwa of having an existing contract with ArcelorMittal-Liberia worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Responding to the allegations on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, on Capitol Hill, Senator Bartekwa said,” At no time did he sign any transport and logistics service contract with ArcelorMittal-Liberia”.

The Grand Kru County Lawmaker challenged the Daily Observer Online News to provide proof of his involvement with any contract with the steel giant.

Senator Numene Bartekwa clarified that his connection with ArcelorMittal -Liberia is due to his chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Concessions and Investment, which has the oversight responsibility to monitor all concession companies in Liberia.