They Face Fines Ranging Up To US$125K, While Nugget Era Mining Company Also Immediately Shut Down
Bea Mountain, China Union and the ArcelorMittal Liberia have faced the regulatory wrath of the Environmental Pollution Agency (EPA) for polluting the environment in and around their concession areas outside Monrovia and they have been slapped with fines, EPA has said.
“The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, has announced sweeping enforcement actions against major mining companies, imposing fines, ordering environmental restoration, and shutting down operations over serious pollution and regulatory violations,” according to an EPA press release issued on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Dr. Yarkpawolo said the EPA has taken decisive action against Bea Mountain Mining Corporation, China Union Liberia Mining Company, and ArcelorMittal Liberia, while ordering the immediate shutdown of Nugget Era Mining Company.
FULL TEXT OF PRESS RELEASE BELOW:
EPA Fines Bea Mountain, China Union, ArcelorMittal
……Shuts Down Nugget Era Operations
Monrovia, Liberia – Tuesday, May 5, 2026 — The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, has announced sweeping enforcement actions against major mining companies, imposing fines, ordering environmental restoration, and shutting down operations over serious pollution and regulatory violations.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing Tuesday, May 5, Dr. Yarkpawolo said the EPA has taken decisive action against Bea Mountain Mining Corporation, China Union Liberia Mining Company, and ArcelorMittal Liberia, while ordering the immediate shutdown of Nugget Era Mining Company.
According to him, the shutdown of Nugget Era Mining Company in Gbarpolu County followed findings that the company was operating without an environmental permit and posed risks to Zorballa Creek and nearby communities.
He said the company has been fined US$3,000 and instructed to submit environmental and rehabilitation plans before any future operations can be considered.
Dr. Yarkpawolo said one of the most serious incidents involved Bea Mountain Mining Corporation, where a pollution event at Marvoe Creek in Grand Cape Mount County led to the mass death of fish and aquatic life.
According to him, scientific investigations confirmed that the cause was elevated levels of cypermethrin, a toxic chemical dangerous to aquatic ecosystems.
He explained that although the chemical is not part of the company’s declared operations, the contamination was traced to areas within its concession.
“As the concession holder, the company has the responsibility to secure and manage its operational environment,” he said.
The EPA Executive Director further disclosed that investigators found evidence that large quantities of dead fish were buried along the creek, raising serious concerns about concealment.
According to him, such actions undermine transparency and public trust.
He added that the EPA has ordered Bea Mountain to fund a comprehensive environmental restoration program for Marvoe Creek, including biodiversity recovery and reintroduction of aquatic species.
The company, he said, must also conduct monthly independent water quality testing and secure affected areas, and has been given 21 business days to submit a full remediation plan.
Dr. Yarkpawolo also revealed that Bea Mountain was fined US$50,000 for unauthorized sand mining in the Lofa River, along with an additional US$20,000 in restoration and monitoring fees.
According to him, the activity caused significant environmental damage, including alteration of the river’s natural flow.
Turning to China Union Liberia Mining Company, he said the EPA imposed a US$30,000 fine and US$20,000 in restoration fees for discharging untreated wastewater and contaminating water sources in Bong County.
He noted that the company has been ordered to halt all pollution, install proper wastewater treatment systems, and provide safe drinking water to affected communities.
Dr. Yarkpawolo also addressed the case of ArcelorMittal Liberia, which he said was fined US$125,000 following a pollution incident at its Bonla Mine.
He explained that heavy rainfall caused contaminated runoff to affect nearby water bodies and farmland, with laboratory tests confirming excessive levels of iron, lead, chromium, and selenium.
According to him, the company also paid US$60,000 to support a comprehensive environmental assessment, and has since compensated affected farmers.
However, he stressed that restoration efforts are still ongoing and the company has been directed to redesign its infrastructure to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Beyond individual incidents, Dr. Yarkpawolo said a compliance audit of Bea Mountain’s operations revealed broader issues, including unauthorized infrastructure, weak environmental monitoring systems, gaps in hazardous materials management, and inadequate emergency preparedness.
“A compliance audit is not a paperwork exercise; it is a tool to prevent environmental harm,” he said, warning that failure to comply with EPA directives will lead to stricter enforcement actions, including possible suspension of operations.
Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized that the EPA’s actions are not intended to discourage investment but to ensure accountability.
“Responsible investment is welcome in Liberia, but no company is above environmental accountability,” he said. “Where pollution occurs, restoration must follow.”
He reaffirmed the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and protecting communities, adding that the Agency will continue to monitor all affected areas to ensure full compliance and environmental recovery.