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ADNews- Monrovia, Liberia: The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has launched a sweeping crackdown on illegal mining activities after uncovering a pattern of environmental violations in Grand Kru, Lofa, and Rivercess Counties.
By Contributing Reporter
The violations, outlined in a preliminary report released on May 6, 2025, include deforestation, water pollution, and river diversion by Class B mining operators acting without permits.
EPA officials, during their ongoing Nationwide Environmental Compliance Monitoring and County Tour, described the situation as a “serious threat to local ecosystems and community health.” According to the EPA, “These operations are not only illegal but are causing irreparable harm to the rivers, forests, and people who rely on them.”
In Grand Kru County, five companies were flagged for serious breaches of the Environmental Protection and Management Law.
Among them, Scottment Investment Mining is operating with excavators in Philadelphia despite having a history of violations in Gbarpolu County. “This company is a repeat offender and is now expanding its unlawful operations,” an EPA inspector revealed.
Similarly, MK Group in Gbaken Town is allegedly polluting Dugbo Creek, and Baby Girl Creek Mining in Dwehken, operating without any EPA authorization. GMGC Mining has set up a large, unauthorized mining camp, while Alex Fannoh Class B Mining in Mary Village is extracting resources without a valid permit. “There’s a clear pattern of companies ignoring the law,” said EPA field agent Moses Dolo. “The land is being stripped and the water poisoned.”
In Lofa County, the EPA uncovered operations by the Saur Mining Company in Kilu Town, Zorzor District, without a permit.
Even more concerning, an unidentified Chinese company was found mining in Lesco Town with no verified license. “Foreign entities must comply with our laws just like Liberian companies,” warned an EPA official. “No one is above environmental regulation.”
Rivercess County emerged as the most severely impacted area. African Commodity Inc. and Plam Group of Companies are operating unlawfully, while Kplon Mining and Agriculture Cooperative in Sand Beach was found to have diverted a river channel—without any EPA approval. “Diverting a river is a major environmental crime,” said the EPA. “It disrupts natural habitats and jeopardizes farming and fishing livelihoods.”
The EPA has begun collecting water samples from affected areas in Rivercess for laboratory testing. The agency says the tests will determine pollution levels and possible health risks to nearby communities. “We need scientific evidence to measure the damage and take the next steps,” stated EPA Monitoring Officer Elizabeth Kollie.
All implicated companies have been flagged for further compliance investigation. The EPA confirmed it will issue formal notices of violation under Section 83(c) of the Environmental Protection and Management Law and is requesting the rapid deployment of enforcement teams to hold violators accountable. “We will not tolerate the destruction of Liberia’s environment for profit,” the agency emphasized.
A national compliance alert is expected soon, notifying Class B mining operators of scheduled inspections and warning of legal action for continued violations. “Environmental permitting is not optional,” the EPA said in a statement. “We are calling on all operators to comply immediately or face the consequences—fines, permit suspensions, or prosecution.”
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