Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized that the fines imposed on these companies serve as a deterrent to others, underscoring the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations.
MONROVIA, June 27 (LINA) – The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, has announced that the EPA has imposed fines totaling US$965,000 on several companies for violating environmental laws.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing on Thursday, June 27, 2024, Dr. Yarkpawolo identified the companies involved as J.M Mining Company Inc., Randall and Oretha Doe Multi-purpose Company, Resource Liberia Limited, China Union Investment, Jimmy E. Qualah Private Facility, and Monrovia Food Construction Company.
Dr. Yarkpawolo explained that J.M Mining Company has been operating a Class B gold mine in Gbarpolu County since March 2024 without an environmental permit, which is a clear violation of the country’s environmental regulations. This operation has resulted in significant sediment deposits in the Maher River, making it difficult for residents to access water for domestic use.
Furthermore, Dr. Yarkpawolo stated that J.M Mining Company, Randall and Oretha Doe Multi-purpose Company, and Resource Liberia Limited have violated multiple sections of the EPA laws, including those related to water pollution. J.M Mining Company has been fined US$95,000, Randall and Oretha Doe Multi-purpose Company US$140,000, and Resource Liberia Limited US$135,000, with payments to be made to the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA).
The China Union Investment Company, operating in Bong Mines, Bong County, has been fined for operating without an environmental permit and effluent discharge license. The company has also commenced construction of a new processing plant without EPA approval and previously constructed a medium tailings processing plant without a permit.
Additionally, the Jimmy E. Qualah Private Facility in Monrovia was found to have backfilled a wetland and constructed a fence without EPA approval. This unauthorized construction includes a drainage project near an adjoining creek, which poses a risk of flooding. Consequently, the facility has been fined US$50,000. The Monrovia Food Construction Company has been fined US$25,000 for constructing a facility in a floodplain.
In March 2024, the EPA also fined three companies—East International (US$55,000), Quetz Mining Corporation (US$2,998), and Quetz Company (US$12,999 for a Restoration Order)—for violating environmental laws.
Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized that the fines imposed on these companies serve as a deterrent to others, underscoring the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations.
