The Environmental Protection Agency has shut down the operations of China Union for several environmental violations including operation without an effluent discharge license, transportation of ores via the Bong Mines railway without an environmental mitigation plan, construction of a new processing plant without an environmental permit, construction of a medium tailings processing plant without environmental permit and unregulated discharge of tailings into the nearby wetland among others.
EPA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, at the Ministry of Information press briefing yesterday, told the media that These actions by China union violate several provisions of the Environmental protection and Management Law of Liberia including Sections 6, 15, 24, 27, 57,58, 105 and 112.
“Considering these grave violations, the EPA on 28 June communicated a ‘notice of violation’ and ‘fine action’ amounting to USD 120,000.00 to China Union. The company did not respond to the communication. On 8 August 2024, a second communication was sent requesting the company to comply with the ‘fine action’ and commence undertaking remedial actions. Despite these notices, China Union blatantly ignored the EPA warnings and continued to operate without any environmental permits, continuing its environmental degradation and pollution,” Dr. Yakpawolo said.
According to him, China Union’s persistent non-compliance with the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia, and its refusal to engage with the EPA, the operational activities of China Union was shut down on 28 August 2024 in adherence to Section 38 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act.
“This directive will remain in effect until full compliance is achieved and the identified environmental concerns are duly addressed. Any contravention of this closure mandate will result in legal actions as prescribed by the Environmental Protection Management of Liberia (EPML).
Meanwhile, Dr. Yakpawolo said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and the National Disaster Management Agency, completed an investigation into the recent earth vibrations in Yegbedu Town, Foya District, Lofa County. The assessment, which took place from August 14 to 17, 2024, was initiated in response to unexpected seismic activities experienced by the local population July 26 and intensified from August 8 onward.
Historically regarded as stable in geologic terms, the region’s sudden vibrations caused significant alarm and disruption within the community. The investigation identified Yegbedu as a community with steep hills and a history of deforestation as critical factors that exacerbated the town’s vulnerability to landslides, soil erosion, and other ground movements.
Key findings from the investigation indicate that while no immediate catastrophic damage was observed, the inherent instability of the terrain presents significant long-term risks to the community.
Of particular concern are the ongoing vibrations, which, though not currently causing visible soil displacement or structural damage, have instilled widespread fear, leading to the displacement of approximately 70% of Yegbedu’s 2500 residents.
