Monrovia, Liberia – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined several businesses operating in the counties of Bong, Gbarpolu, and Montserrado a total of US$ 965,000.00 for allegedly breaking environmental laws.
At the Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs on Thursday, June 27, 2024, during the MICAT regular press briefing, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel King Urey-Yarkpawolo revealed that six companies received fines ranging from $25,000.00 to $400,000.00 between March 5 and June 27, 2024.
He claimed that the business was fined US$95,000.00 for violating environmental permit requirements and contaminating water.
J.M. Mining Company Inc. received the largest fine of US$400,000.00 among the fined corporations, according to the EPA Executive Director, for a variety of breaches pertaining to their mining operations in Gbarpolu County.
According to him, the J.M. Mining Company Inc. was found guilty of diverting the Maher River without the required permissions, resulting in large silt deposits and water contamination. The company has been operating a Class B gold mine in Gbarpolu County since March 2024.
The business was fined $95,000.00 for violating environmental regulations, which included operating without a permit and contaminating water.
Similarly, Randall and Oretha Doe MultiPurpose Company, located in Gbarpolu County, was fined US$140,000.00 for operating without the necessary permits and contaminating water through sediment deposition.
Operating in the same location, Scott Investment Incorporated was fined US$135,000.00 for a number of infractions, including operating without environmental permits at various mining sites and contaminating water from diverted streams.
China Union Investment was fined $120,000.00 in Bong County for operating an iron ore mine without a permit and releasing wastewater into wetlands, which had an adverse effect on the biodiversity of the area.
Additionally, businesses like Jimmy E. Qualah Private Facility in Monrovia and Bao Chico Resources Liberia Ltd in Gbarpolu County were fined $25,000.00 and $135,000.00, respectively, for comparable infractions such water contamination and unpermitted construction operations.
In order to protect Liberia’s natural resources, Mr. Yarkpawolo asked the populace to abide by environmental rules. He also cautioned against doing things like backfilling wetlands, building in streams, and operating without EPA approval.
Reported by: Jenneh T. Borbor
Contact:+231775299760
