The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has issued a detailed clarification following an investigative report by the Associated Press (AP) and the Gecko Project that examined alleged environmental incidents linked to Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC) in Jikandor and nearby communities.
The AP/Gecko article, first published on January 30 and updated on February 4, 2026, raised concerns about pollution incidents and questioned the effectiveness of regulatory oversight. In response, the EPA said the report did not fully reflect the scope of the agency’s actions and enforcement measures over the years.
According to the EPA, the environmental incidents cited in the article occurred between 2016 and 2023, before the current leadership took office in February 2024. The agency said the present administration has since focused on strengthening enforcement, transparency, and scientific monitoring in line with Liberia’s Environmental Protection and Management Law.
The EPA rejected suggestions that regulatory responses were weak or absent, stating that all reported incidents were formally investigated. These investigations, the agency said, included field inspections, laboratory testing, public disclosure of findings, presentations to affected communities and the Legislature, and the issuance of legally binding directives to BMMC.
Enforcement measures outlined by the EPA included requiring the company to provide safe drinking water and food to affected residents, conduct independent third-party environmental assessments, carry out corrective engineering works on the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF), and enhance water-quality monitoring systems.
The agency also confirmed the relocation of Jikandor Village, citing exceptional site-specific conditions related to the village’s proximity to the TSF.
The relocation, the EPA said, was conducted through a Memorandum of Understanding that involved legal representation for the community and an agreed compensation and resettlement package. The process was implemented by BMMC and monitored by the EPA.
Addressing claims that pollution was allowed to continue, the agency described such assertions as inaccurate, emphasizing that it acted within its statutory mandate and relied on scientific evidence in all enforcement decisions. The EPA also noted that in 2018 it imposed a financial penalty of USD 99,999 on BMMC, of which USD 25,000 was paid following an appeal under the previous administration.
The EPA further denied allegations that investigative reports were removed to conceal findings, stating that all reports were documented, shared with affected communities, and submitted to relevant national authorities.
Since 2024, the agency said it has expanded regulatory oversight by deploying more inspectors to mining counties, requiring mandatory independent audits of tailings storage facilities, providing international technical training on mine water and waste management, and operationalizing a modern national environmental laboratory capable of real-time analysis of industrial effluents.
The EPA confirmed that it was contacted by the Associated Press during the preparation of the story and provided written responses detailing its interventions and enforcement actions. However, the agency said the published article focused primarily on the incidents themselves while giving limited attention to regulatory responses and corrective measures.
Reiterating its position, the EPA said no company is above the law and reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental standards, addressing legacy challenges, and ensuring responsible management of Liberia’s natural resources. The agency also thanked the media for its role in public accountability and encouraged balanced, contextual reporting on environmental issues, adding that it remains open to continued engagement with journalists.
