Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
By: Richard Williams/0775339618/ 0881084573/richardwilliamsp30@gmail.com
Tubmanburg, Bomi: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) convened a stakeholder consultative meeting on Thursday, July 24, 2025, regarding Western Cluster Limited’s (WCL) application for the renewal of its environmental permit for iron ore mining operations in the Bomi Hills.
The meeting, attended by representatives from project-affected communities, county officials, legislative caucus, and various government ministries, aimed to gather input on WCL’s compliance with environmental and social responsibilities.
Giving the overview of the gathering, John Jallah, Director for Compliance and Enforcement of the EPA, emphasized the importance of the meeting, noting that WCL’s operations were previously halted in 2021 for non-compliance with environmental regulations.
WCL, through its environmental consultant MAC-Africa Consultants, Inc., submitted an updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report in pursuit of permit renewal.
WCL presented a showcase of its social and corporate responsibility projects in Bomi, Gbarpolu, and Grand Cape Mount counties, highlighting plans for a mini-port, processing plant, and alternative road construction.
However, representatives from affected communities voiced strong frustrations over WCL’s failure to meet its social responsibilities, particularly the relocation of towns near the mine. “Some of us are living right under the mount. Anytime they do the blasting, all the chemicals can enter in our water, and even our houses are always shaking.” Momo Goll, Town Chief of Kamada Town.
Sando Eric Perry, chairperson of the affected communities, urged the EPA to release WCL’s Environmental Assessment Report for public review, citing deplorable road conditions, lack of safe drinking water, and absence of healthcare facilities in the impacted areas.
Bomi County Superintendent Miatta Dorley sharply criticized WCL for neglecting its social obligations and failing to improve the socio-economic well-being of residents. She accused the company of failing to assist with road maintenance and called for the EPA to withhold permit renewal until WCL fully complies with its Mineral Development Agreement.
She cited requesting the services of Bea Mountain Concession to provide materials. “I am disappointed in you Western Cluster, you have a responsibility to contribute to the development and well-being of our communities, and you are falling far short of meeting these obligations.”
Deputy Internal Affairs Minister for Operation, Selena Polson Mappy, echoed these concerns, reaffirming the government’s commitment to prioritizing citizens’ interests over concessions that neglect their responsibilities.
Mappy called on WCL to prioritize community engagement and offered an apology to the citizens of Bomi County on behalf of the company, acknowledging its shortcomings.
“This government will never compromise the wellbeing of its people. Our priority is, and always will be, the prosperity and security of our citizens. We are dedicated to ensuring that all policies and decisions are made with their best interests at heart. Fostering greater collaboration between businesses and the communities they operate in is crucial for sustainable and equitable development” Deputy minister Mappy stressed.
The statements underscore growing concerns about the impact of mining operations on local communities and the importance of holding companies accountable.
The EPA will now consider the feedback from the consultative meeting as it reviews WCL’s application for environmental permit renewal.
