The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has imposed fines totaling US$965,000 on several companies for violating environmental laws.
The EPA’s Executive Director, Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, announced this during a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) on June 27, 2024.
The companies penalized include J.M Mining Company Inc.; Randall and Oretha Doe Multi-purpose Company; Resource Liberia Limited and the China Union Investment; all of which are located in Gbarpolu and Bong Counties.
The Jimmy E. Qualah Private Facility and Monrovia Food Construction Company in Monrovia were also fined.
J.M Mining Company Inc. has operated a Class ‘B’ gold mine in Gbarpolu County since March 2024 without an environmental permit.
This operation has caused significant sediment deposits in the Maher River, hindering local access to water therefore, the company faces a US$95,000 fine for violating Sections 61, 57, 58, 105, and 6 of the EPA Law, including water pollution regulations.
Randall and Oretha Doe Multi-purpose Company was fined US$140,000 for similar violations in Gbarpolu County while Resource Liberia Limited must pay US$135,000 to the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) for its infractions.
The China Union Investment Company operates in Bong Mines, Bong County without an environmental permit and an effluent discharge license. Additionally, they began constructing a new processing plant without approval from the EPA.
The EPA had previously fined them for constructing a medium tailings processing plant without a permit. Jimmy E. Qualah Private Facility in Monrovia was fined US$50,000 for backfilling a wetland and constructing a fence without EPA approval, which could cause flooding.
Monrovia Food Construction Company received a US$25,000 fine for building a facility in a flood plain.
In March 2024, the EPA fined three other companies a total of US$70,998 for similar violations and the companies included East International (US$55,000), Quetz Mining Corporation (US$2,998), and Quetz Company (US$12,999 for a Restoration Order).
Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized that these fines are intended to serve as a deterrent to other companies, reinforcing the importance of adhering to environmental laws.
