The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has revealed serious environmental violations in several counties as part of its ongoing Nationwide Environmental Compliance Monitoring and County Tour.
In a preliminary report issued on May 6, 2025, the EPA highlighted significant breaches by Class B mining operators in Lofa, Grand Kru, and Rivercess Counties.
The EPA reported violations including unlicensed mining, unauthorized use of heavy equipment, deforestation, river diversions, and pollution of water sources that local communities depend on.
In Lofa County, inspectors discovered multiple illegal mining activities, with a significant finding involving Saur Mining Company, owned by a Chinese national, which is prospecting for gold in Kilu, Lofa County. The EPA stated that Saur is currently in violation of Liberia’s environmental management laws for operating without an environmental permit. As a result, the EPA has issued Saur a noncompliance notice, initiating the process to bring them into compliance with all necessary operational requirements.
In the agricultural sector, the EPA identified the Selma Agriculture Development Corporation, which operates a rice mill but has been without a valid environmental permit since 2020. When questioned, the CEO stated that operations are currently suspended due to ongoing court issues. The EPA remains dedicated to enforcing environmental laws and protecting Liberian resources.
In Grand Kru County, five companies were flagged for operating without valid environmental permits. This includes Scottment Investment Mining, which is using excavators in Philadelphia and had previously been fined for similar offenses in Gbarpolu County. The EPA noted that MK Group, based in Gbaken Town, is polluting Dugbo Creek and lacks the necessary EPA approval. Additionally, Baby Girl Creek Mining in Dwehken is causing environmental degradation without a permit, and GMGC Mining is running a large, unauthorized mining camp, leading to visible land and water pollution. Alex Fannoh Class B Mining, operating in Mary Village, also has no EPA authorization.
In Rivercess County, the monitoring teams led by Baiyezenah Brown, Assistant Director for Inspectorate, reported significant progress and met with the County Superintendent to discuss insights from the nationwide monitoring tour.
The teams conducted site visits at Development African Commodity Inc. and Palm Group of Company, both classified as Class B mining companies. Alarmingly, Kplon Mining and Agriculture Cooperative, led by Paul Flomo in the Sand Beach community, was found to have diverted a river, causing substantial environmental degradation while using excavators. This cooperative is operating with an expired environmental permit.
The EPA emphasizes that all violating companies will undergo compliance investigations, and notices of violation will be issued under Section 83(c) of the Environmental Protection and Management Law. Enforcement teams are being deployed to assist local inspectors in taking appropriate action.
The EPA indicated that environmental permitting is not optional; companies found in violation will face fines, permit suspensions, or legal action. Citizens are encouraged to report unlicensed mining activities to the EPA Situation Room.
