PHOTO CREDIT: Liberian Observer
By: Cooper K Sangar Jr
MONROVIA – President Joseph Boakai has, with immediate effect, revoked the Road User Permit of Bao Chico Mining Company.
The company, which operates in Gbarpolu County, Western Liberia, has recently faced intense public criticism from residents in and around its operational areas. Local communities have raised serious concerns about the “reckless endangerment of residents” caused by the company’s vehicles using public roads.
Making the announcement at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing on Thursday in Monrovia, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah disclosed that the decision followed a high-level inter-ministerial meeting.
The meeting, convened by President Boakai, brought together representatives from the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of State, and MICAT.
It was held in response to growing safety concerns raised by residents along the company’s transport corridor.
According to Minister Piah, there have been mounting reports of reckless driving by the company’s heavy-duty trucks transporting iron ore via the Bomi corridor to the Freeport of Monrovia.
“The company is operating with a permit that is not sector-inclusive,” said Minister Piah. “They are also operating without an environmental permit and have caused extensive pollution in the area.”
He further disclosed that several residents have reportedly lost their lives due to accidents involving the company’s trucks. Additionally, the environmental pollution caused by the company poses serious health risks to the affected communities.
Minister Piah emphasized that it has been confirmed Bao Chico Mining Company was operating without the required clearance from the Ministry of Mines and Energy to transport iron ore by road—an act deemed a violation of Liberian regulations.
“In response, the President has instructed that every permit which allowed the company to operate along that corridor be immediately revoked—and it has been,” Minister Piah stated.
As part of the government’s directive, Bao Chico has been ordered to construct its own private road if it intends to continue exporting iron ore from its operational site to the Freeport of Monrovia.
