The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has imposed fines totaling over US$300,000 on several mining companies, including ArcelorMittal-Liberia, Bea Mountain Mining Corporation, China Union, and Nugget Era Mining Company, for serious environmental violations.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, the EPA released a comprehensive 20-page investigative report detailing widespread and ongoing environmental damage linked to the operations of these companies.
The EPA cited ArcelorMittal-Liberia for a pollution incident that was not reported within the required 72-hour timeframe. The company was fined US$125,000 and mandated to pay an additional US$60,000 for a full environmental assessment of the Bonla-Viellie–Gbai corridor. Authorities confirm that all payments have been settled.
Investigations into Bea Mountain Mining Corporation revealed unauthorized large-scale sand mining in the Lofa River. The activity obstructed nearly half of the river channel, causing severe ecological damage, erosion, and disruption of aquatic life. The company has been fined US$50,000, with an additional US$20,000 for restoration and monitoring, alongside a directive to rehabilitate the affected area.
The EPA found that China Union discharged untreated wastewater, contaminated local water sources, and exceeded permissible pollutant levels, including chromium. The company was fined US$30,000, with an added US$20,000 for environmental restoration. It is now required to cease contamination, restore affected ecosystems, provide safe drinking water to communities, and implement a third-party supervised recovery plan.
Nugget Era Mining Company has been shut down for operating without a permit and posing environmental risks to Zorballa Creek. The EPA imposed a US$3,000 fine and requires the company to submit key environmental and social impact assessments, along with rehabilitation plans, before any future operations can resume.
The EPA’s report highlights a troubling pattern of non-compliance and environmental degradation across Liberia’s mining sector, signaling stronger enforcement and accountability moving forward.
