Monrovia, Liberia – March 16, 2025:Bea Mountain Mining Company has been sued for US$100,000,000 over allegations that it polluted the Mafa River in Grand Cape Mount County. The legal counsel for the Consortium of Legal Practitioners Incorporated has filed a formal complaint against Bea Mountain Mining Company, accusing it of reckless, negligent, and unlawful mining operations.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Cllr. Arthur Johnson stated that the Mafa River, located in Grand Cape Mount County, has allegedly been polluted by the company. He said the contamination has introduced toxic substances into the river, resulting in deaths, bodily injuries, environmental destruction, loss of livelihood, and grave economic and social harm to residents.
The river has long been used by communities in Grand Cape Mount County for drinking, cooking, fishing, swimming, and agricultural purposes. Bea Mountain Mining Company, which has operated for 25 years, runs a large-scale gold mining concession in the county that involves the handling and discharge of hazardous substances, including cyanide and mercury.
Cllr. Johnson noted that many citizens have been affected by the company’s chemicals, yet no adequate response has been provided. He further alleged that more than 13 people, including women and children, have died as a result of the company’s pollution of the Mafa River.
The legal team representing the affected victims has filed 25 counts against the company, including but not limited to compensatory damages, environmental and equitable damages, as well as punitive and exemplary damages, totaling US$100,000,000. Johnson also stated that the polluted Mafa River, once a primary source of drinking and cooking water continues to affect residents and destroy livestock.
He emphasized that the water is no longer safe for consumption or domestic use.“Bea Mountain has failed to respond to or support the affected communities since 2022,” he said. “No meaningful action has been taken to address the people’s welfare.” He added that the Environmental Protection Agency has tested the water quality and confirmed that the river is polluted and unsafe for drinking or use.
Cllr. Johnson further stated that the lawsuit seeks compensatory and environmental damages, including wrongful death claims, loss of livelihood, and environmental remediation. He also indicated that the next course of action may involve taking the matter to the ECOWAS Court of Justice, where an additional complaint on human rights violations and damages could be filed.
