All Africa reported that Ms Ellen Johnson Sirleaf President of Liberia has signed into law the Western Cluster Mining Agreement, ending more than two years of intensive negotiations between the Liberia and parties interested in the exploration of the Western Cluster iron ore reserves.

Mr Sirleaf described the occasion as a great day, assuring residents that the agreement is in the interest of the country. Amid singing and dancing by local residents in appreciation, the President expressed delight that the agreement was finally concluded to allow the company to begin operations that would create employment opportunities. She also thanked the National Legislature for ratifying the agreement.

An Executive Mansion release states that Mr Sirleaf made it clear that the shipment of iron ore would not begin immediately. It added that "It will take some time for them to finish all of their work to build all of the infrastructure, the roads and all of those things, before they can start, but at least we are starting, and it will create some jobs and the jobs will be added."

She expressed confidence in the ability of Sesa Goa to do the job because of the company's long years of experience in mining operations. She told the residents that "They come from India, they know the mining business, they have the experience, they have the money, they have the people, they have the knowledge. They are the subsidiary, they are the small company to a big company in India that is about the third largest mining company in the world, so now we are satisfied that this project can go."

The President described the project as very important for the economy and infrastructure of the western region, with employment, road and railway construction at the heart of the agreement. She called on residents of the region to work along with the investor to ensure a smooth operation. She also urged the investor to keep the line of communication open at all times between the company and the community and staff.

(Sourced from www.allafrica.com)