By: Alphanso G. Kalama
Email: alphansokalama@gmail.com
Liberia — Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC), Liberia’s largest commercial gold mine, is at the center of a new controversy following a fatal truck accident that claimed the lives of two Liberians on September 7, 2024. The victims, 5-year-old Saybah Selma and her uncle, George Bashir, were killed instantly when a speeding BMMC truck collided with their motorcycle near Jenneh #3 on Bomi Highway.
The tragic accident has sparked outrage and accusations of a possible cover-up by the mining giant. Eyewitnesses and family members claim that BMMC representatives arrived at the scene and made efforts to meet with the victims’ families, raising suspicions about the company’s handling of the aftermath.
Saybah Selma and her mother Kormassah Mercy Selma were reportedly traveling from Bomi to Monrovia on a motorcycle when the truck, marked with BMMC’s logo, struck them. Family member Jefferson Francis Kolako expressed frustration, stating that the company’s response has been inadequate and fueled concerns about their attempts to obfuscate the truth.
This incident is the second fatal event involving BMMC in recent months. Earlier this year, Varney Watson, a daily hire at one of BMMC’s operational sites, suffered a severe injury resulting in the amputation of his arm. Reports indicated that Watson was operating unsafe machinery without proper safety gear, an issue that highlighted the company’s negligence in adhering to safety protocols.
Despite the severe implications of these events, there has been little action from the Liberian government to hold BMMC accountable or provide support to the victims’ families. The lack of a robust response from authorities has raised questions about their commitment to enforcing safety standards and protecting the rights of workers and local communities.
In response to the accident, BMMC issued a press release expressing regret and promising full cooperation with the ongoing investigation by the Liberian National Police. The company stated that they are focusing on supporting the affected families and urged the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time.
The public’s trust in BMMC continues to erode as these incidents underscore persistent concerns over the company’s operational safety and ethical practices. As investigations proceed, the need for stringent oversight and transparency in mining operations remains critical to prevent further tragedies.
