China to ship first Liberia iron ore shipment in six monthsBy TERRENCE SESAY | Wednesday, August 8  2012 at  14:57

The Chinese iron ore mining company which announced a $2.6 billion investment in the former German-run Bong Mining company in west central Liberia in 2008 is expected to ship its first iron ore from Liberia in six months.

China Union began full mining operations early this year.

Media reports Wednesday quoting Lands, Mines and Energy minister Patrick Sendolo say the railroad formerly used by the Bong Mining company to ferry iron ore to the Freeport of Monrovia for shipment abroad is being rehabilitated.

Mr Sendolo said the ministry has completed the demarcation survey of the 74-kilometre railway as part of the process to fast track the shipment of iron ore from Bong Mines.

He said the survey would enable the government to know how many assets fall in the "right of way" and whether to expand the railroad or maintain the present one.

The reports quoted officials as saying equipment for rehabilitation of the railroad are already in the country.

China Union, according to chief engineer, Xiong Subo, would provide an estimated 5,000 jobs in the opening stages of the company work, and up to 70,000 jobs long term.