By: Henry B. Gboluma | Gbarpolu Correspondent
Gbarpolu County, Liberia |May 19, 2026 |The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia has begun a nationwide environmental monitoring exercise with major enforcement actions against illegal mining activities in Gbarpolu County.
On the first day of inspections, the EPA Zone (A) Team visited mining communities in the county and shut down several operations that were not following environmental regulations.
At the Stephen Clan Mining Site in the Zelekai Mining District, inspectors discovered that a Class C mining license holder was illegally using an excavator during operations.
EPA officers immediately stopped activities at the site and seized the excavator’s battery and key starter to prevent further mining work.
In Soe Town, inspectors reported that Rhode Mining was using two excavators to build a 28-kilometer road linked to future mining activities without the required environmental permit.
The EPA said the company was attempting to prepare for Class B mining operations before completing the proper environmental approval process.
The machines were barricaded and the company received a compliance notice.
Inspectors also discovered 19 dredges operating along the Tuma River near local communities.
According to the EPA, miners at the site were using mercury, a dangerous chemical that can harm people and the environment.
The agency warned miners to stop using mercury immediately and issued a compliance notice to the Soe Mining Chairman.
At Africa Mining in Kollie Village, inspectors found two excavators operating without authorization.
EPA officers barricaded the equipment and issued another noncompliance notice.
The EPA said the nationwide monitoring exercise is intended to protect communities, safeguard the environment, and ensure that mining activities in Liberia are carried out responsibly and safely for future generations.
