MONROVIA, Liberia — The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has imposed a US$400,000 administrative fine on ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) and ordered the company to pay an additional US$100,000 to support further environmental monitoring and assessment following reported pollution linked to its mining operations in Nimba County.
EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo announced the enforcement measures Monday during a press engagement at the Agency’s headquarters in Monrovia.
According to Dr. Yarkpawolo, the action followed a formal complaint filed on August 11, 2026, by residents of Bolo Town, Gba Clan, in Yarmein Administrative District, Nimba County.
Residents alleged that AML’s mining activities around Mount Gangra and Mount Yulleton had polluted community water sources, damaged crops, and affected local livelihoods.
The EPA dispatched a preliminary investigation team to the area on August 13. Investigators inspected watercourses and farmlands, met with AML’s environmental management team, and consulted traditional leaders, women, youths, elders, community representatives, and persons with disabilities.
“The preliminary investigation found visible evidence that substantially supported the community’s complaint,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said.
EPA Reports Pollution of Water Sources
The investigation reportedly found iron-rich, sediment-laden discharges from mining areas at Mount Gangra and Mount Yulleton entering nearby water resources through six discharge points.
Mining-related sediment was also observed in the Karn River and 11 creeks identified by community members, including Yeewaa, Wenein, Neneyee, Ponpeles, Wehee, Sayemeyee, and Yeehwaatoluzah.
The EPA also reported damage to vegetation and impacts on farmlands where residents grow rubber, cocoa, oranges, rice, and other crops.
Dr. Yarkpawolo said the findings were particularly concerning because the affected water sources and farmlands are directly tied to the communities’ health, food security, and livelihoods.
AML Cited for Regulatory Violations
Beyond the reported environmental impacts, the EPA said its review identified regulatory violations by AML.
According to Dr. Yarkpawolo, the company failed to notify the EPA about the reported pollution incidents as required under the conditions of its environmental permit.
The Agency also said AML failed to submit its mandatory second-quarter 2026 Environmental Monitoring Report within the required timeframe.
The EPA said it engaged AML through conferences and written communications and gave the company a final compliance deadline of August 25, 2026, but the outstanding violations were not satisfactorily addressed.
As a result, the Agency imposed the US$400,000 administrative fine.
The fine must be paid into the Government of Liberia Consolidated Account through the Liberia Revenue Authority within 10 working days.
AML must also pay an additional US$100,000 to the EPA within 10 working days. The Agency said the separate payment will be used for additional monitoring, sampling, technical research, and environmental assessment to determine the extent and trend of the reported pollution and help guide restoration efforts.
EPA Orders Comprehensive Environmental Assessment
The EPA has also ordered AML to fully fund a comprehensive environmental assessment to be led by the Agency.
The assessment will examine the geographic extent and severity of the reported pollution and its effects on water resources, farmlands, vegetation, livelihoods, and the wider landscape.
Dr. Yarkpawolo said that once the assessment verifies documented losses, AML will be required to compensate affected individuals and communities for crop and livelihood losses in accordance with applicable law.
The company has also been ordered to provide safe alternative water for immediate community use and support appropriate interim livelihood measures while the assessment and restoration process continue.
The EPA stressed that payment of the US$400,000 fine and US$100,000 assessment funding will not absolve AML of its other environmental responsibilities.
“Payment of these amounts does not relieve AML of its continuing obligations under the Environmental Protection and Management Law, its environmental permits, or any other applicable laws and regulations,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said.
He added that the EPA could issue an Environmental Restoration Order following further monitoring and assessment, outlining additional remedial and restoration measures.
EPA Says Enforcement Is Not Against Investment
While announcing the enforcement action, Dr. Yarkpawolo acknowledged the role of concessionaires and investors in Liberia’s development, including their contributions to employment, infrastructure, public revenue, and economic activity.
However, he said economic investment must not come at the expense of communities or the environment.
“No investment can be considered sustainable when communities bear avoidable environmental costs or when permit conditions are disregarded,” he said.
Dr. Yarkpawolo said the EPA’s enforcement approach is “firm, fair, and consistent,” adding that the Agency recognizes companies that take corrective action while enforcing environmental laws when violations are established.
EPA Cites AML’s Corrective Action in Buchanan
The EPA Executive Director also acknowledged corrective measures recently taken by AML at its facility in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
He said an EPA nationwide environmental monitoring and compliance exercise conducted in early May identified concerns at the facility, including improper waste disposal and poorly structured sedimentation ponds.
The Agency subsequently communicated corrective measures to AML and required the company to bring the facility into compliance with environmental laws and permit conditions.
According to Dr. Yarkpawolo, AML has since taken corrective action and is complying with the measures communicated by the EPA.
He said the development demonstrates that the Agency’s goal is not simply to penalize companies but to ensure that environmental violations are corrected and compliance is maintained.
“Environmental regulation must not only identify violations; it must also secure timely correction and sustained compliance,” he said.
Dr. Yarkpawolo urged industrial and concession operators across Liberia to comply with environmental laws, respect permit conditions, and engage responsibly with communities where they operate.
“Protect the environment, respect the law, comply with your permits, and honor the communities in which you operate,” he cautioned.
He reaffirmed the EPA’s commitment to working with investors and businesses while stressing that the Agency will not compromise the health, safety, and livelihoods of Liberians.
