The first and second feedback consultative meeting on the newly drafted Minerals and Mining Law was held on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, December 2 in Monrovia comprising of civil society and the private sector, respectively. The feedback workshops provided the participants the opportunity to make suggestions, seek clarification, and voice some concerns regarding the newly drafted law. The first forum, which took place on Thursday, November 28th, comprised of civil society organizations that looked at the law from their perspective. They discussed issues relative to land rights, local employment, artisanal miners, child labor, and community relations, among others.
One major issue raised was "just compensation" and "prompt payment" to land owners in which mining licenses have been granted to a third party. The participants were particularly concern about the law clearly defining what is considered "just compensation" and providing a specific timeline for prompt payment in respect to land owners' rights.
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