EPA of Liberia’s Executive Director Issues Warning to Unlicensed Mining Operators

By: Emmanuel Koffa| Grand Kru County Correspondent

Grand Kru County, Liberia– Friday, May 09, 2025-The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo has issued a firm warning to unlicensed mining operators, particularly those employing dragline excavators, in a move poised to reinforce environmental regulations and uphold sustainability within the country’s mining sector.

Dr. Yarkpawolo has since met with stakeholders of Grand Kru including officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Public Works, the Liberia Land Authority, and staff of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) to discuss environmental and social issues confronting the region as part of a broader EPA effort to decentralize its operations and ensure that environmental protection efforts are robust across all regions of Liberia.

Speaking shortly before his engagement with County officials in Barclayville on Tuesday, Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized the critical importance of adhering to environmental standards and obtaining the necessary licenses before engaging in mining activities; stating that the unchecked operations of unlicensed miners not only pose severe risks to the environment but also threaten the health and safety of local communities in the southeast.

“The Environmental Protection Agency is committed to safeguarding Liberia’s rich natural resources and ensuring that all mining activities are conducted in a sustainable manner,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said. “Unlicensed operators, especially those utilizing dragline excavators, are warned to cease their activities immediately. Failure to comply will result in the agency taking decisive action, which may eventually include the closure of operations.”

In Grand Kru County, the EPA field team reported major violations involving five companies; Scottment Investment Mining is operating in Philadelphia of Grand Kru with excavators.

It is alleged that Baby Girl Creek Mining in Forpoh Dwehken is also unpermitted and is causing significant environmental degradation. GMGC Mining is running a large mining camp with no permit and clear signs of land and water pollution. Alex Fannoh Class B Mining in Ma-Mary Village is carrying out mining activities without any authorization from the EPA, adding to the list of unregulated operations.

The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia noted that the indiscriminate use of heavy machinery in unregulated mining practices has led to significant environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution of water bodies, highlighted the necessity for sustainable practices that respect the delicate balance of Liberia’s ecosystems.

Dr. Yarkpawolo encouraged all mining operators to formalize their operations, acquire the necessary permits, and engage with the EPA to ensure that their activities are both lawful and environmentally friendly.

He however urged all mining operators to take this warning seriously as non-compliance will not be tolerated; reaffirmed that the agency is prepared to implement sanctions as necessary to protect Liberia’s environment and citizens.

 Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief