During Wednesday’s Capitol Hearing, the EPA Executive Director also raised concerns over the use of mercury in artisanal gold mining. He explained that mercury contaminates rivers and streams, accumulates in fish consumed by humans, and can cause serious health problems, including neurological and cognitive disorders
MONROVIA – The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, has renewed his call for stronger collaboration among government institutions, lawmakers, local authorities, security agencies, and communities to confront the growing threat posed by illegal mining. Dr. Urey warned that failure to act collectively could have lasting consequences for Liberia’s environment and future generations.
By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
Appearing Wednesday before the House Committee on Lands, Mines, Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment at the House of Representatives, Dr. Yarkpawolo warned that Liberia’s environment is under serious pressure from illegal mining, uncontrolled logging, and other destructive activities. He stressed that protecting the environment requires a coordinated national effort.
The hearing focused on three key areas, including findings from the EPA’s nationwide environmental assessment tour, environmental challenges affecting communities across the country, and input on proposed environmental legislation currently before the House of Representatives.
Dr. Yarkpawolo outlined several major environmental concerns identified by the EPA, including widespread environmental degradation, indiscriminate tree felling, damage caused by artisanal mining, pollution of rivers, and rapid deforestation.
The environment belongs to all of us. The proper use of our environment will save humanity,” he emphasized.
The EPA Executive Director also raised concerns over the use of mercury in artisanal gold mining. He explained that mercury contaminates rivers and streams, accumulates in fish consumed by humans, and can cause serious health problems, including neurological and cognitive disorders.
He disclosed that the EPA has established a laboratory with trained chemical handlers to monitor and analyse chemical contaminants in the country, ensuring that authorities understand pollution levels and can respond appropriately.
Referring to the EPA’s 2024 report, Dr. Yarkpawolo noted that numerous illegal foreign miners, particularly Burkinabè nationals, were identified operating in Liberia’s mining sector.
While acknowledging that the EPA has imposed fines on companies for environmental violations, he stressed that penalties alone are insufficient.
“Fines are not the solution. Environmental restoration is the key,” he stated.
Sharing findings from the EPA’s 2026 nationwide tour, Dr. Yarkpawolo revealed the widespread illegal use of excavators by operators without the required permits. He explained that many Class B and Class C mining operators are either operating without licenses or using heavy machinery beyond what their licenses permit.
He further noted that cyanide, which is legally reserved for Class A mining operations, is increasingly being used by small-scale miners, posing significant environmental and public health risks.
To address these challenges, the EPA is introducing a national excavator registration and tracking system. According to Dr. Yarkpawolo, the agency plans to register all excavators entering the country, identify their importers, and install GPS tracking devices to monitor their movements and discourage illegal mining activities.
He added, “Our objective is not to discourage responsible investment in Liberia’s mining sector. We want mining activities that respect environmental standards, protect public health, and contribute to sustainable national development. By working together, we can ensure that Liberia benefits from its mineral resources without sacrificing the environment that sustains present and future generations.”
He urged stakeholders to move beyond narratives of “the rich versus the poor” and instead work collectively to protect Liberia’s natural resources through stronger laws, enforcement, and responsible environmental stewardship. He also made recommendations regarding proposed amendments to existing environmental legislation currently before the House.
He said, “The EPA is committed to enforcing the law, but enforcement alone will not solve this problem. We need stronger collaboration among government agencies, lawmakers, local authorities, security institutions, traditional leaders, and communities because environmental protection is a shared responsibility that demands collective action and unwavering commitment.”
Dr. Yarkpawolo further stressed that the fight against illegal mining cannot be won by the EPA acting alone, emphasizing that effective collaboration between the Ministries of Mines and Energy, Justice, Internal Affairs, the Liberia National Police, county administrations, traditional leaders, and affected communities is essential to dismantle illegal mining networks that continue to destroy forests, wetlands, and water bodies across the country.
“Illegal mining is no longer simply an environmental concern; it is becoming a national development challenge that threatens our rivers, forests, agricultural lands, and the livelihoods of thousands of Liberians. Unless every relevant institution works together with determination and urgency, the damage being done today will become far costlier to reverse tomorrow.”
He also urged lawmakers to support the EPA with stronger legal instruments and adequate budgetary allocations, noting that environmental inspectors often face enormous logistical and operational challenges while attempting to monitor remote mining sites.
According to him, strengthening the agency’s institutional capacity would significantly improve compliance with environmental regulations and ensure that violators are held accountable.
Dr. Yarkpawolo said environmental protection should be viewed as an investment in Liberia’s long-term economic prosperity rather than an obstacle to development. He explained that preserving forests, rivers, and biodiversity would not only safeguard public health but also sustain agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and other sectors that depend on healthy ecosystems for continued growth.
The EPA Executive Director further called on mining companies, civil society organizations, development partners, youth groups, and local communities to become active partners in environmental conservation. He said lasting success would depend on public awareness, responsible mining practices, and collective ownership of Liberia’s natural resources, stressing that every citizen has a responsibility to protect the country’s environment for future generations.
