What is Bea Mountain Mining Corporation accused of in Liberia?

Bea Mountain Mining Corporation is accused of repeatedly polluting the river used by Jikandor village with toxic substances like cyanide, arsenic, and copper, forcing residents to abandon their homes.

What are the consequences of the pollution from Bea Mountain's mine?

The pollution has led to dead fish, contaminated water, health concerns among villagers, and ultimately the forced relocation of Jikandor village due to the toxic environment.

What actions have been taken regarding the pollution incidents?

The Liberian EPA confirmed pollution incidents exceeding legal limits, and a legally binding agreement was reached in May 2025 for Bea Mountain to relocate and compensate Jikandor village.

Home / Environment / Liberia River Poisoned: Gold Mine Blamed

Liberia River Poisoned: Gold Mine Blamed

30 Jan

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Summary

Toxic spills from Bea Mountain mine force villagers to abandon homes.
Company repeatedly exceeded pollution limits, failed to notify regulators.
Gold refiner MKS PAMP reviews relationship with polluting mining company.

Liberia River Poisoned: Gold Mine Blamed

Residents of Jikandor village in Liberia are abandoning their ancestral homes because the river they rely on has become toxic. They accuse Bea Mountain Mining Corporation, the country's largest gold producer, of polluting the water with cyanide, arsenic, and copper. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports, retrieved after being removed from the agency's website, indicate that the company's facilities repeatedly leaked contaminants at levels exceeding legal limits over several years.

Further investigation revealed that Bea Mountain failed to alert regulators promptly after a 2022 spill and obstructed government inspectors attempting to access its laboratory. Experts described the company's actions as sustained negligence. These incidents also expose the Liberian government's shortcomings in holding the company accountable, despite owning a 5% stake and possessing the legal authority to suspend licenses.