In Kissi Camp, Gbarpolu County, Forest Dependents are worried that they will soon be displaced from their current settlements due to mining hazard posed by Bao Chico Mining Company. The environmental crisis, attributed to mining activities, seems not to only threaten crops but also the homes of the locales, most of whom depend on the forest for their survivals. Recent flooding in the community and contaminated water source are the basis for the Kissi Camp Community’s fear of displacement.
Articulating community’s growing fears of potential environmental trouble, the Chief Elder of the community, John David said “If nothing is done, the situation will displace us.” Elder John David’s words resonate deeply with the residents, who have seen their agricultural way of life jeopardized by the consequences of mining operations. They believe that the situation of the environmental crisis in their community is a direct result of Bao Chico’s mining activities. The Kissi Camp community residents have underscored the pressing need for government action to address the situation.
A local farmer, Klubah David shared her distress to the Liberia Forest Media Watch (LFMW). She explained how flooding has forcibly displaced her from her palm farm. “The water has removed us from our palm farm,” she said that the water damaged their palm and other crops that used to normally sustain them during the rainy season. Like other affected residents, Klubah David is advocating for immediate government intervention to mitigate the damages.
The leadership of the community is equally worried about the growing wave of environmental degradation. The Town Chief of Kissi Camp, Solomon K. Beyan described the current circumstances as “punishment” for the residents. He wants the government to act swiftly to alleviate the suffering caused by Bao Chico’s operations. Chief Beyan’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment of frustration and helplessness among community residents who rely heavily on agriculture for sustenance.
Amid the growing concerns, a team of reporters from LFMW visited the Kissi Camp Community and found that mining operations is resulting into water/stream diversion by Bao Chico Mining Company causing widespread flooding and water pollution. As a result, Town Chief Beyan said, water once used for drinking is no longer suitable for drinking due to Bao Chico’s operation.
“Because of that, we are forced to carry drinking water from the town to the farm,” said Zoe Freeman, another Kissi Camp Community resident.
Maxin Zaza, the Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Gbarpolu, said his agency has halted the operations of Bao Chico due to their failure to adhere to environmental principles. “As a result of the operation of Bao Chico mining activities, we have stopped the operation of the company,” Zaza stated.
Maxin explained the damaging effects of the mining, noting that the water diversion has significantly affected surrounding communities, while blasting operations too have led to chemical pollution of the air. He informed LFMW that the EPA has fined Bao Chico Mining Company $100,000 and recommended the relocation of the affected communities.
“Upon the return of the company in October this year, we will ensure that they work in line with environmental laws before they continue their mining activities,” Zaza assured, indicating a commitment to enforcing stricter regulations.
The Community Liaison Officer of Bao Chico, Edwin David, confirmed the severity of the situation of the environmental degradation linked to the mining operations. Edwin stated that concession activities are most of the time linked to environmental issues which often requires dialogue between the parties. He expressed optimism about the newly established EPA office in Gbarpolu, which he said serves as a watchdog for future operations.
Like the EPA’s representative, Bao Chico Laison Officer said resettlement plan from the company will start upon the return of their operations in October, promising that his company will gradually address community’s issues.
The head of Civil Society Organizations in Gbarpolu, Lydia Ballah, said the plight of the farming community in Bopolu District serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between resource extraction and environmental stewardship.
She said as “we join the residents of the Bao Chico mining affected area to continue to demand governmental intervention, the situation is also an urgent call for responsible mining practices that prioritize the well-being of local communities and their environments”.
The Government of Liberia and Bao Chico Resources Liberia Ltd. entered into a 25-year Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) in 2022 to extract iron ore in Gbarpolu County following exploration activities.
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