-To Create Jobs in Marshall City
Residents of Marshall City in Margibi County took a major step toward economic development on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, as they began formal negotiations with Vision Africa Mining Company Limited for a proposed black sand mining operation. The Chinese-owned company is working with the community to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would bring significant investment and employment opportunities to the area.
Under the terms being discussed, Vision Africa Mining plans to invest more than three million U.S. dollars in the project, which is expected to benefit approximately 3,000 residents through both direct and indirect employment. The agreement would also require the company to establish a vocational and technical training institute to equip locals with valuable skills, sponsor the education of at least 60 grade school students, and prioritize job opportunities for women in the community.
Samuel Smith, Administrative Manager of Vision Africa Mining, emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency and long-term cooperation with Marshall City. “We are here to speak with the local people—those who own the land where we want to mine black sand—and seek their blessing,” Smith said. He added that the company is already taking steps to engage the Liberia Land Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other regulatory bodies to ensure all legal requirements are met before operations begin. “We want to be here for the long term and operate legally, which is why we are negotiating with both the government and the community,” he stressed.
The meeting drew a wide range of stakeholders, including local women’s groups, youth representatives, elders, and government officials. Many residents expressed optimism about the potential economic benefits, particularly in a region where unemployment has been a persistent challenge.
Elder Emmanuel Howard, speaking on behalf of the community, highlighted the struggles faced by young people in Marshall City. “For too long, many of our children—including high school and college graduates—have remained jobless. We believe this investment could bring the change we’ve been waiting for,” he said.
With negotiations now underway, the final MOU is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, pending approval from relevant authorities. If successful, the agreement could pave the way for mining operations to begin before the end of the year, offering new hope for economic growth in Marshall City.
