Published: February 6, 2026
MONROVIA — Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency has pushed back strongly against an Associated Press and Gecko Project investigation into alleged pollution linked to Bea Mountain Mining Corporation, saying the report downplayed years of regulatory action, sanctions and corrective measures taken by the agency.
In a comprehensive clarification issued in Monrovia, the EPA said it respects investigative journalism but warned that the AP/Gecko Project article, published Jan. 30 and updated Feb. 4, risked eroding public confidence by implying regulatory neglect where documented enforcement exists.
“The EPA respects the important role of investigative journalism in informing the public and strengthening democratic accountability,” the agency said. “However, in the interest of accuracy and public confidence, it is necessary to provide factual clarification and institutional context regarding EPA’s regulatory actions.”
Central to the EPA’s rebuttal is its assertion that the environmental incidents cited in the AP story occurred between 2016 and 2023, before the current EPA leadership took office in February 2024.
“First, the incidents referenced in the article occurred between 2016 and 2023, prior to the current EPA leadership,” the agency said, adding that since assuming office, the present administration has prioritized “strengthening enforcement, transparency, and scientific monitoring” under Liberia’s Environmental Protection and Management Law.
‘All reported incidents were formally investigated’
The EPA directly challenged the article’s suggestion that regulatory response was weak or delayed.
“Contrary to implications in the AP story suggesting limited regulatory response, the EPA confirms that all reported pollution incidents were formally investigated,” the agency said.
It outlined a series of actions taken in each case, including “field inspections, laboratory testing, public disclosure of findings, presentations to affected communities and the Legislature, and the issuance of legally binding remedial directives to the company.”
Those directives, the EPA said, were not merely advisory.
“These enforcement actions included mandatory provision of safe drinking water and food to impacted communities, independent third-party environmental assessments, corrective engineering works on the Tailings Storage Facility, and strengthened water-quality monitoring systems,” the statement said.
Jikandor relocation ‘site-specific and exceptional’
Addressing one of the most sensitive elements of the AP report, the relocation of Jikandor Village, the EPA said the move was driven by unique technical risks, not regulatory failure.
“The relocation of Jikandor Village was based on site-specific and exceptional conditions arising from its immediate interface with the Tailings Storage Facility footprints,” the agency said.
It stressed that the process was legally structured and community-driven.
“This relocation process was done with legal representation of the Jikandor Village and agreed compensation and relocation package through a Memorandum of Understanding,” the EPA said, adding that implementation was carried out by the company and monitored by the agency.
‘Grossly inaccurate’ claims of inaction
The EPA rejected assertions that it allowed pollution to continue unchecked.
“Claims that the EPA ‘allowed’ pollution to continue are grossly inaccurate,” the agency said. “The Agency acted within its statutory mandate on every reported incident using scientific evidence to guide enforcement.”
As evidence, the EPA cited a financial penalty imposed on BMMC in 2018.
“In 2018, the EPA imposed a financial penalty of USD 99,999 on BMMC, of which USD 25,000 was paid following appeal under the previous administration,” the statement said.
No reports removed, EPA says
Responding to allegations that investigative reports were removed or concealed, the EPA was unequivocal.
“The EPA also rejects assertions that investigative reports were removed to obscure findings,” it said. “All reports were formally documented, shared with affected communities, and submitted to relevant national authorities.”
Post-2024 regulatory strengthening
The agency said it has significantly expanded oversight since 2024, pointing to structural reforms aimed at preventing future incidents.
“Since 2024, the EPA has significantly strengthened regulatory oversight through expanded inspector deployment to mining counties, mandatory independent Tailings Storage Facility audits, and international technical training on mine water and waste management,” the statement said.
It also cited the operationalization of “a modern national environmental laboratory capable of real-time forensic analysis of industrial effluents.”
EPA says AP was briefed
Importantly, the EPA confirmed it engaged the Associated Press during the reporting process.
“The EPA confirms that the Associated Press contacted the Agency during development of its story,” the statement said. “The EPA provided detailed written responses outlining these interventions and enforcement actions.”
The agency said it was disappointed that the final article emphasized environmental accidents “while giving limited attention to EPA’s regulatory response and corrective measures.”
Call for balance, pledge of enforcement
Reaffirming its authority, the EPA said it remains committed to enforcing environmental laws impartially.
“The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia reiterates that no company is above the law,” it said. “The Agency remains committed to enforcing environmental standards without fear or favor, addressing legacy challenges, and ensuring Liberia’s natural resources are managed responsibly for present and future generations.”
The EPA thanked the AP and the broader media community for their watchdog role but urged “factual balance and context, particularly on matters of national environmental importance,” adding that it remains open to continued engagement with journalists to support “accurate, science-based reporting.”
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