Liberia, July 22 -- A legal battle is unfolding over gold-rich Class "C" mining claims in Newaken Community, Trehn Statutory District, Grand Kru County, as mining activities reportedly continue at the disputed site ahead of a court hearing scheduled for Wednesday, July 22.

An independent investigation by a team of Reporters on July 20 and 21 found heavy mining equipment operating at the site, despite an ongoing dispute between the Southeastern Multipurpose Cooperative Society and Hongyun Mining Company Inc. over competing claims to the area.

The dispute, now before the Worktaken Magisterial Court, centers on ownership and mining rights to the gold-rich location.

The court is expected to determine the validity of the competing claims a...