The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has issued a formal clarification in response to an Associated Press/Gecko Project report on alleged environmental incidents linked to Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC). The article, published January 30 and updated February 4, highlighted pollution concerns in Jikandor and nearby communities.
The EPA acknowledged the role of investigative journalism in strengthening accountability but stressed the need for factual accuracy and institutional context. The Agency noted that the incidents referenced occurred between 2016 and 2023, before the current leadership assumed office in February 2024.
Since then, the EPA says it has prioritized enforcement, transparency, and scientific monitoring under Liberia’s Environmental Protection and Management Law. Contrary to suggestions of limited response, the Agency stated that all reported pollution cases were formally investigated, with field inspections, laboratory testing, public disclosures, and reports presented to communities and the Legislature. Legally binding directives were issued to BMMC.
Enforcement measures included provision of safe drinking water and food to affected residents, independent environmental assessments, engineering corrections to the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF), strengthened water-quality monitoring, and the relocation of Jikandor Village. The relocation, the EPA emphasized, was conducted with legal representation, agreed compensation, and a Memorandum of Understanding.
The Agency rejected claims that it “allowed” pollution to persist, citing statutory actions guided by scientific evidence. In 2018, the EPA imposed a fine of USD 99,999 on BMMC, of which USD 25,000 was paid after appeal under the previous administration. It also dismissed allegations that investigative reports were suppressed, noting that findings were documented, shared with communities, and submitted to national authorities.
Since 2024, the EPA reports expanded oversight, including inspector deployment to mining counties, mandatory TSF audits, international training on mine waste management, and the launch of a modern national laboratory capable of real-time forensic analysis.
The Agency confirmed that AP contacted it during the reporting process and that detailed written responses were provided. It expressed concern that the published article emphasized accidents while giving limited attention to regulatory interventions.
Reiterating that “no company is above the law,” the EPA pledged continued enforcement of environmental standards and responsible resource management. It thanked the media for its role in governance but urged balanced and contextual reporting on national environmental issues.
