Published: October 20, 2025
MONROVIA — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has fined three major companies, ArcelorMittal Liberia, Elsin Transport & Logistics, and Monrovia Breweries Incorporated, for violating the nation’s environmental protection laws through pollution, unauthorized waste disposal, and poor waste management practices.
At a press briefing on Friday, October 17, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo said the sanctions reflect the agency’s “renewed commitment to enforcing Liberia’s environmental laws without fear or favor.”
ArcelorMittal Liberia Hit for River Pollution
In Nimba County, investigators found that ArcelorMittal Liberia’s mining operations at Yuelliton led to the contamination of local rivers after part of an overburden stockpile collapsed during heavy rainfall. Laboratory results confirmed elevated levels of iron, lead, selenium, and chromium, surpassing national water-quality standards.
The company was faulted for failing to report the incident to both the EPA and affected communities within the required 72 hours. The EPA has fined ArcelorMittal US$125,000 and levied an additional US$60,000 environmental research fee to support a detailed assessment of the affected waterways.
Elsin Transport Penalized for Unauthorized Waste Disposal
The EPA’s action against Elsin Transport & Logistics stems from the company’s handling of 17 containers of palm kernel shells imported from Nigeria. Although tests confirmed the materials were non-hazardous, Elsin lacked a certified disposal license and improperly dumped part of the shipment at the Wein Town Landfill without EPA supervision—a violation of the Environmental Protection and Management Law.
The EPA imposed an US$8,000 fine, ordering payment within 10 business days and warning that continued noncompliance could trigger harsher penalties.
Monrovia Breweries Sanctioned for Poor Waste Management In Bomi County
Monrovia Breweries Incorporated (MBI) was found to have polluted nearby creeks and wetlands through improper disposal of brewers’ spent grain (BSG). Inspectors reported that the company’s waste site was unfenced, poorly managed, and lacked systems to control stormwater and leachate.
Despite MBI’s earlier pledge to correct these issues, the EPA said no meaningful progress had been made. The company now faces a US$20,000 fine and a US$5,000 monitoring fee, along with an Environmental Restoration Order requiring cleanup and rehabilitation of affected lands—or risk suspension of its operating permit.
EPA Vows Zero Tolerance for Environmental Offenders
Dr. Yarkpawolo praised the Boakai administration for backing the agency’s enforcement drive, stressing that “today’s actions send a clear message—environmental violations will not be tolerated.” He also highlighted Liberia’s broader environmental ambitions, including its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) target of a 64% emissions reduction by 2035, the acquisition of a €100,000 Elemental Analyzer for environmental research, and Liberia’s upcoming participation at COP30 in Brazil.
“We are moving beyond business as usual,” Dr. Yarkpawolo declared. “Environmental justice is non-negotiable. Those who pollute will pay.”
With these fines, the EPA has made it clear that even Liberia’s most powerful corporations are not above the law—marking what could be a defining moment in the country’s environmental governance.
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