President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has officially revoked the operating permit of BIO-CHICO, a Hong Kong-registered mining company operating in Liberia. The decision, announced by Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah during a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), follows mounting complaints from citizens regarding the company’s alleged environmental violations.
BIO-CHICO, formally known as Bio Chico Resource Liberia Limited, was granted a permit to explore, mine, and export iron ore in Gbarpolu County. However, residents of Gbarpolu, Bomi, and parts of Montserrado County, particularly District 17, have consistently raised alarms over the company’s operations. They accuse BIO-CHICO of deploying heavy-duty trucks that are not only damaging community roads but also contributing to increased accidents and environmental degradation.
According to Minister Piah, President Boakai’s decision was made after careful consideration of these repeated grievances and was officially communicated during an inter-ministerial meeting. The meeting brought together officials from the Ministries of Justice, Public Works, Mines and Energy, Transport, State, and Information.
The President’s swift action is seen as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to protecting citizens’ welfare and the environment. It also signals a renewed focus on ensuring that foreign companies operating in Liberia adhere strictly to environmental standards and prioritize community safety.
The revocation of BIO-CHICO’s permit sends a strong message that the Liberian government will not tolerate practices that endanger public health or damage the country’s infrastructure. Further steps are expected to ensure accountability and assess the environmental impact of the company’s activities.
