Liberia Shuts Down China Union's Bong Mines for Environmental Violations

Liberia's Environmental Protection Agency has halted China Union's operations at Bong Mines violating multiple environmental regulations. The shutdown follows repeated warnings and fines given to the firm for operating without necessary permits and discharging waste into a wetland. The mine will remain closed until compliance is achieved.

Liberia's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered the cessation of operations at China Union's Bong Mines due to a series of environmental violations, the regulatory body confirmed on Thursday.

China Union, which invested $2.6 billion in the Bong Mines located 150 km northeast of Monrovia, began its first iron ore shipment in 2014. The EPA stated that the mining operation lacked essential permits and had been discharging tailings into a wetland area, despite previous warnings and fines issued since June.

The EPA emphasized that operations will remain suspended until China Union achieves full compliance and addresses the environmental concerns. The company has not yet responded to requests for comment outside office hours.

(With inputs from agencies.)