By Roland Wiah, Jr.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has started releasing preliminary findings from its ongoing Nationwide Environmental Compliance Monitoring and County Tour.
The report reveals a troubling pattern of illegal mining activities and environmental damage in various parts of the country.
In a preliminary report dated May 6, 2025, the EPA Situation Room highlighted serious violations by Class B mining operators in Grand Kru, Lofa, and Rivercess Counties.
These violations include mining without valid environmental permits, illegal use of heavy equipment, deforestation, river diversion, and pollution of water bodies utilized by local communities.
In Grand Kru County, the EPA field team reported significant violations involving five companies. Scottment Investment Mining is operating in Philadelphia with excavators and has previously been fined by the EPA for similar violations in Gbarpolu County. MK Group is operating in Gbaken Town without an EPA permit and is reportedly polluting Dugbo Creek.
Baby Girl Creek Mining in Dwehken is also operating without a permit and is causing considerable environmental degradation. GMGC Mining is running a large mining camp without any permit and shows clear signs of land and water pollution. Additionally, Alex Fannoh Class B Mining in Mary Village is conducting mining activities without authorization from the EPA, further adding to the list of unregulated operations.
In Lofa County, the Saur Mining Company was found operating in Kilu Town, Zorzor District, without an environmental permit. An unidentified Chinese Class B company was also discovered conducting operations in Lesco Town without a verified permit, raising further concerns about foreign involvement in illegal mining.
Rivercess County has reported some of the most severe cases of environmental destruction. African Commodity Inc. and Plam Group of Companies were both found mining without permits and failing to comply with national environmental standards.
Kplon Mining and Agriculture Cooperative in Sand Beach has diverted a river channel without EPA approval, causing significant land and water disturbances. Water samples collected from the affected areas in Rivercess will be tested in a laboratory to determine pollution levels and assess any health risks to nearby residents.
Exposing companies
As part of its next steps, the EPA is flagging all companies involved for compliance investigations and will issue formal notices of violation under Section 83(c) of the Environmental Protection and Management Law.
The EPA Central Office has also requested the rapid deployment of enforcement teams to assist field inspectors in holding violators accountable. A national compliance alert will soon be issued to inform all Class B mining operators about immediate inspection schedules and the consequences of continued non-compliance.
The EPA urges all mining operators and local authorities to ensure strict adherence to environmental laws. The agency emphasizes that obtaining environmental permits is mandatory, and violations will result in fines, permit suspensions, or legal action. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspected unlicensed mining activities to the EPA Situation Room via hotline number +231 888 608 224.
The ongoing tour and monitoring efforts reflect the EPA’s commitment to protecting Liberia’s natural environment and ensuring compliance with environmental laws to prevent further damage to land and water resources across the country.
