-In Grand Gedeh County
GRAND GEDEH COUNTY, Liberia – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has shut down Gannon Melina Group of Company for operating without a valid environmental permit and causing severe water pollution and land degradation in Kahn Village, Gorbor Robert, Grand Gedeh County.
The shutdown came on Day VI of the EPA’s Nationwide Environmental Compliance Monitoring Exercise. Inspectors discovered that the company, which runs Class C gold mining operations, had deployed six excavator machines and two medium-sized gold processing plants across two separate mining sites.
During the inspection, EPA officers found that Gannon Melina had diverted the Slomehn Creek to support its mining activities — a direct violation of Liberia’s Environmental Protection and Management Law. Inspectors also confirmed that the company lacked a valid Environmental Permit.
The agency noted that the company’s activities have already caused significant water pollution and extensive land degradation. Previously mined sections of the concession sit abandoned with no restoration or rehabilitation, leaving the landscape severely disturbed.
Residents of Pyne Town, Sanquin, Gbliyee, and Kwerteh Town first reported the company’s operations to the EPA on March 10, 2026, through SAPO Campaigners. Community members accused the company of polluting the Slomehn Creek — a major waterway that flows into the Sanquin River in Carbadea, Sinoe County — threatening downstream communities and aquatic life.
EPA Issues Two Non-Compliance Notices, Orders Immediate Shutdown. Following the findings, the EPA enforcement team ordered an immediate halt to all mining operations and issued two separate non-compliance notices for:
1. Operating without a valid Environmental Permit.
2. Causing environmental pollution and land degradation.
The agency stated that diverting natural watercourses, polluting water bodies, and failing to restore mined-out areas constitute serious breaches of environmental regulations and pose significant risks to public health, biodiversity, and local livelihoods. The EPA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Liberia’s environment and natural resources, stressing that no company may operate outside the law.
This marks the third company the EPA has shut down for environmental violations. The agency’s boss declared that there is “zero tolerance for illegal mining companies across Liberia.” “Companies need to operate in accordance with the environmental law of this country for the betterment of its citizens,” he said.
