The Liberian government has taken decisive action against Bio Chico Resources Liberia Limited, revoking the company’s permit to transport iron ore on public roads. This decision, effective immediately, follows mounting public concern and safety risks posed by the company’s heavy-duty trucks operating along the Bomi corridor to the Freeport of Monrovia. Information Minister Jerolinmek Mathew Piah announced the revocation during a press briefing, highlighting President Joseph Boakai’s directive following a high-level inter-ministerial meeting. The meeting, convened in response to the growing public outcry, addressed the hazardous operations of Bio Chico’s trucks, which have been implicated in numerous accidents, including fatalities. Piah himself attested to the dangers, citing the frequent passage of ore-laden trucks through his own neighborhood, Brewerville, disrupting residents and posing a significant safety hazard.
The core issue revolves around Bio Chico’s unauthorized use of public roads for ore transportation. The company, registered in Hong Kong and licensed to explore, produce, and export iron ore in Gbarpolu County, lacked the comprehensive sectoral permit required for such operations. Instead, they operated under a permit issued by a single entity, bypassing the necessary clearance from the Ministry of Mines and Energy. This contravenes an existing presidential directive, inherited from the previous administration, prohibiting the road transport of ore. This directive was part of a transitional arrangement granting Western Cluster Limited a three-year grace period to construct alternative infrastructure, such as a dedicated haul road and jetty, for ore transportation.
Bio Chico’s actions represent a clear breach of their concession agreement, which stipulated the construction of a dedicated transport route and jetty. Instead of adhering to these terms, the company opted to transport ore directly to the Freeport using public roads, disregarding the established regulations and posing a substantial risk to public safety. The presidential directive, according to Minister Piah, reinforces a pre-existing ban on the transportation of ore via public roads. This ban was implemented as part of a transitional arrangement for Western Cluster Limited, providing them with a three-year window to develop alternative transportation infrastructure, including a dedicated haul road and jetty.
The government’s decision emphasizes the importance of adhering to established regulations and prioritizing public safety in the mining sector. Bio Chico’s failure to comply with the terms of their concession agreement and disregard for public safety prompted the government’s decisive action. The revocation of their transport permit underscores the Liberian government’s commitment to upholding safety standards and ensuring responsible mining practices within the country. The directive aims to mitigate the risks posed by heavy-duty trucks on public roads and encourage the development of dedicated transport infrastructure for the mining industry.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale for mining companies operating in Liberia, highlighting the necessity of compliance with regulations and responsible operational practices. By revoking Bio Chico’s permit, the government has sent a clear message regarding its commitment to public safety and responsible resource management. This action is expected to deter similar violations in the future and promote a more sustainable and safer mining sector in Liberia. The government’s decision has been met with public approval, signifying a growing demand for accountability and responsible practices within the mining industry.
The Liberian government’s action against Bio Chico Resources Liberia Limited signifies a critical step towards ensuring responsible mining practices within the country. By revoking the company’s permit to transport ore on public roads, the government has prioritized public safety and underscored the importance of adherence to established regulations. This decisive action serves as a precedent for holding mining companies accountable for their operations and promoting a safer and more sustainable mining sector in Liberia. It further emphasizes the need for companies operating in the extractive industries to respect existing laws and prioritize the well-being of communities affected by their operations. The government’s unwavering stance against unsafe practices signals a commitment to responsible resource management and sets a clear standard for future operations within the mining sector.
