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Monrovia, Liberia — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has issued a detailed clarification in response to a recent investigative report by the Associated Press (AP) and the Gecko Project concerning Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC) and alleged environmental incidents affecting Jikandor and nearby communities.
In a statement released to the media, the EPA acknowledged the January 30, 2026 publication and its subsequent update on February 4, 2026, noting the importance of investigative journalism in promoting public awareness and accountability. However, the Agency said certain implications in the report require clarification to ensure accuracy and maintain public confidence in environmental oversight.
The EPA explained that the environmental incidents referenced in the report occurred between 2016 and 2023, prior to the assumption of office by the current EPA leadership in February 2024. Since then, the Agency said it has placed strong emphasis on enforcement, transparency, and science-based regulation in line with Liberia’s Environmental Protection and Management Law.
Contrary to suggestions that regulatory action was weak or absent, the EPA stated that all reported pollution cases involving BMMC were thoroughly investigated. According to the Agency, these investigations included on-site inspections, laboratory analysis, public disclosure of findings, briefings to affected communities and the Legislature, and the issuance of legally binding corrective directives to the company.
“These enforcement measures resulted in concrete actions,” the EPA said, including the provision of safe drinking water and food to impacted communities, the commissioning of independent environmental assessments, engineering improvements to the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF), and enhanced water-quality monitoring systems. The Agency also confirmed that Jikandor Village was relocated due to its proximity to the TSF, following site-specific risk assessments.
The EPA noted that the relocation process was carried out through a mutually agreed Memorandum of Understanding, with legal representation for the affected community and an agreed compensation and resettlement package. The Agency emphasized that implementation was carried out by BMMC under EPA supervision.
Addressing claims that pollution was allowed to persist, the EPA described such assertions as inaccurate, stressing that it acted within its statutory authority in every reported case, guided by scientific evidence. The Agency recalled that in 2018, a financial penalty of USD 99,999 was imposed on BMMC, of which USD 25,000 was paid after an appeal under the previous administration.
The EPA also rejected allegations that investigative reports were removed to conceal findings, stating that all reports were properly documented, shared with affected communities, and submitted to relevant national institutions.
Since 2024, the Agency said it has strengthened environmental oversight through expanded deployment of inspectors to mining regions, mandatory independent audits of tailings facilities, specialized international training in mine water and waste management, and the establishment of a modern national environmental laboratory capable of real-time analysis of industrial effluents.
The EPA further disclosed that it provided detailed written responses to the Associated Press during the development of the report, outlining regulatory actions and enforcement measures. While acknowledging the media’s role, the Agency expressed concern that the published story focused largely on the incidents, with limited attention given to corrective actions taken by regulators.
Reaffirming its mandate, the EPA stated that no company operates above the law and pledged continued enforcement of environmental standards without bias. The Agency said it remains committed to addressing legacy environmental challenges and safeguarding Liberia’s natural resources for future generations.
The statement, signed by the EPA’s Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Danise Love Dennis-Dodoo, concluded with appreciation to the media community and a call for balanced, context-driven reporting on issues of national environmental significance.
