Communities Ask Mining Company to Comply with MoU and Mitigate Water Pollution

By: J. Mason Kollie | Lofa Correspondent

Kilewu Town, Zorzor District | Jan. 21, 2026 |Kilewu town and surrounding communities in Zorzor District, Lofa County are raising serious concerns and grievances over water pollution and environmental degradation linked to the Upper and Lower Northern Mining Company, which operates in Kilewu Town.

Local leaders are urging the company to comply with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in fulfilling its obligations as per the agreement enshrined in the MoU.

On January 3, 2026, Zorzor District Commissioner Hon. Paul R. Kalama, Zorzor City Mayor, community representatives, the EPA Supervisor, and officials from the Ministry of Mines and Energy local office in Lofa County convened a meeting with the mining company to address the citizens of Kilewu concerns stemming from mining activities in their area.

During the meeting, residents of Kilewu Town called for a temporary halt to the company’s operations until pollution issues are adequately addressed and safe drinking water is provided. They emphasized the need for the mining company to construct hand pumps to ensure access to clean water for household use; urging compliance with the terms of the MOU.

Further, the communities expressed deep concern for the safety of their children, as the company has left several open pits from its mining operations, creating hazardous conditions as regard movement within and around Kilewu Town and parts adjacent. Accordingly, the people of Kilewu and its surroundings are calling on local authorities and the Liberian government to take immediate and effective action to safeguard both their health and environment by ensuring the mining company operates within confines of the mining laws of Liberia and mitigate the effects of environmental degradation at all times.