By G. Watson Richards
A 20-page damning investigative report by the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has exposed multiple mining companies of serious environmental damages and a pattern of continued violations. Mining giants including Arcelor Mittal, China Union, Bea Mountain, and Nugget Era Mining have been slammed with a fine of over US$300,000.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Information Regular Press Briefing, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo named the companies and penalties: ArcelorMittal Liberia (US$185,000), China Union Liberia (US$50,000), Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (US$70,000), and Nugget Era Mining Company (US$3,000).
The agency said the penalties follow confirmed breaches of environmental rules and are part of efforts to tighten oversight in the sector.
ArcelorMittal Liberia received the biggest fine after runoff from its operations polluted nearby water sources and farmland.
“Soil and water samples contained levels that significantly exceeded Liberia’s national water quality standards,” the EPA said.
The company was also criticized for not reporting the incident within the required 72 hours.
China Union Liberia was fined for releasing untreated wastewater, which affected surface and groundwater in Bong County. The EPA said tests found hazardous pollutants, including chromium.
Bea Mountain Mining Corporation was penalized over sand mining in the Lofa River and a fish die-off in Marvoe Creek. According to the EPA, the incident was linked to cypermethrin, a toxic pesticide.
“The widespread death of fish and aquatic organisms destroyed important biodiversity,” the agency said.
While contamination levels have dropped, the EPA warned people not to eat fish from the creek for now.
Nugget Era Mining Company was shut down and fined after operating without permits and leaving open pits that pose risks to nearby communities and waterways.
“Mining without proper authorization… will attract enforcement action,” the EPA said.
The EPA says the companies must go beyond paying fines by cleaning up affected areas and improving how they operate.
“Environmental protection is not optional. It is a legal duty.”
A nationwide inspection exercise is set to begin later this month, focusing on mining and other high-risk activities. The EPA says the goal is simple: make sure development does not come at the expense of people’s health or the environment.
