President Boakai Shuts Down Bio-Chico Mining Operations Over Safety, Environmental Violations.
By: Melvin Flomo
Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Boakai has ordered the immediate revocation of Bio-Chico's operating permit following a wave of complaints from residents and local authorities in Gbarpolu County, citing environmental degradation and public safety concerns.
Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah made the announcement Thursday during a regular press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism.
“The president ordered the revocation of the operating permit of Bio-Chico, a mining company in Gbarpolu County, and the permit has since been revoked,” Piah told reporters.
The government’s decision comes in the wake of growing frustration among community members over the company's operations, which have allegedly led to significant damage to local infrastructure and several accidents involving iron ore trucks.
“There were reports of severe casualties caused by trucks carrying iron ore belonging to Bio-Chico,” Minister Piah disclosed. “The situation is alarming and unacceptable.”
According to Piah, a recent sectoral meeting held at the Executive Mansion revealed that Bio-Chico had been transporting iron ore on public roads without the necessary authorization.
“It was established that the company did not have a valid permit to use the road network for trucking its ore,” he said.
The government has not yet announced whether legal action will be taken against the company, but authorities say investigations into the full scope of Bio-Chico's operations are ongoing.
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