EPA Issues Temporary Operations Permit To China Union  

By P. Vangerline Kpotoe

 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has granted China Union a temporary permit, allowing the company to resume operations for a period of three months after paying US$20,000 as part of a US$120,000 fine.

According to a statement from the EPA dated September 5, 2024, the decision provides China Union with the opportunity to “fully comply with the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia (EMPL).”

The temporary permit was issued following China Union’s payment of US$20,000 as part-payment of a US$120,000 fine imposed by the EPA. In addition, the company has committed to adhering to the requirements of the EMPL moving forward.

The statement noted that the EPA had previously ordered China Union to cease operations due to noncompliance with environmental regulations. Despite several efforts by the EPA, including a field assessment of China Union’s facility on June 18, 2023, the company did not respond to an invitation to attend a technical and administrative conference scheduled for June 27, 2024.

As a result, the EPA issued a “Notice of Fine” on June 28, 2024, to China Union and other mining companies in Gbarpolu County for violations of Liberia’s environmental laws. China Union was fined US$120,000, which was to be paid to the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA).

China Union’s operations were temporarily shut down due to noncompliance, which included the company’s failure to complete the required Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process and to pay the imposed fine.

On September 2, 2024, China Union’s management acknowledged their violations of the EMPL and committed to achieving full compliance. They officially appealed to the EPA for a temporary permit, requesting a period of 3-6 months to rectify their status and achieve compliance.

The statement also noted that China Union requested a waiver of the fine, citing their lack of active operations over the past six months and stressing the importance of public-private partnerships.

In response to China Union’s appeal, the EPA agreed to grant the company a temporary permit under specific conditions. China Union was required to pay US$20,000 as part of the US$120,000 fine, which was to be deposited into the LRA’s account.

This payment, according to the release, has since been made, and the EPA issued a three-month temporary permit to China Union, allowing the company to regularize its operations while complying with the EMPL.

The EPA emphasized its commitment to maintaining “a clean, healthy, and safe environment for current and future generations and reaffirmed its dedication to enforcing Liberia’s Environmental Protection and Management Law. The agency further stated that it will continue to ensure that all projects requiring an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment permit adhere to the law.