EPA Fines Mining Company US$30K For Environmental Violations

By P. Vangerline Kpotoe

 The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has fined the United Africa Minerals Corporation (UAMC) in Gbarpolu County US$30,000 for violating environmental regulations.

During a press briefing Tuesday, October 7, 2024, at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), EPA Executive Director Emmanuel N. Yarkpawolo revealed that UAMC had been operating a Class B gold mine which is a lower standard without obtaining the required environmental permit.

He emphasized that the company’s unregulated mining activities had led to severe land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and sediment pollution in nearby water sources, which has made it difficult for residents to access clean water for domestic use.

Dr. Yarkpawolo noted that there are allegations that UAMC, a Class B mining company, may have used sodium cyanide, a chemical reserved only for Class A mining operations which is currently under investigation.

“As a result of these violations, the EPA has ordered the immediate shutdown of the company’s operations, and has been fined US$30,000, that must be paid to the Government of Liberia’s revenue account at the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), with a receipt submitted to the EPA within 72 hours,” he stressed.

EPA boss further explained that a team of EPA technicians will visit the mining site in Gbarpolu to further investigate the use of sodium cyanide, indicating that the findings of the assessment will be made public, while the company will remain closed until further notice.