MONROVIA — Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC) has pushed back against recent claims by the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) linking it to a fish mortality incident in Marvoe Creek, while calling for a transparent and independent scientific investigation into the matter.
In a statement issued over the weekend, the company maintained that it remains committed to environmental protection and regulatory compliance but expressed concern over what it described as a shift in the EPA’s position without publicly disclosed evidence.
Company Says It First Reported Incident
BMMC emphasized that it was the first to detect and report the unusual fish deaths in Marvoe Creek on February 24, 2026, triggering the EPA’s investigation.
The company said the move reflects its “long-standing policy of transparency and responsible environmental stewardship.”
Dispute Over Cause of Fish Kill
According to BMMC, earlier findings communicated by the EPA on February 27 indicated that cyanide and related mining chemicals were within permissible limits. Instead, laboratory analysis reportedly linked the fish deaths to elevated levels of cypermethrin, a pesticide commonly associated with agricultural use.
“Cypermethrin is not used in any of our operations,” the company stated, adding that all chemicals utilized at its site are fully disclosed to and approved by the EPA.
“At no time has cypermethrin formed part of our operational inventory,” BMMC stressed.
Concerns Over EPA’s Latest Statement
The company, however, raised concerns over a more recent EPA communication dated March 20, which reportedly attributed the source of contamination to BMMC infrastructure.
BMMC argued that such a conclusion must be supported by clear, verifiable, and scientifically grounded evidence.
“The identification of a contaminant does not, in itself, establish its source,” the statement noted, urging authorities to ensure that findings are based on transparent and credible analysis.
Internal Inquiry and Security Investigation
BMMC also disclosed that it launched an internal inquiry after learning, through a joint security investigation, of allegations that its personnel were involved in the burial of dead fish.
The company denied any wrongdoing, stating that any actions taken were in the interest of public safety and should not be interpreted as an admission of liability.
“We have nothing to conceal,” BMMC said, reiterating that it had proactively notified authorities at the onset of the incident.
Call for Independent, Science-Based Investigation
Amid the dispute, BMMC is urging regulators and stakeholders to support an independent and science-based investigation to determine both the source and cause of the contamination.
The company said it remains fully committed to cooperating with the EPA and other relevant institutions to ensure a credible outcome.
“We are eager to understand how this material entered our operational area,” the statement added.
Broader Context
The incident at Marvoe Creek has drawn national attention, raising concerns about environmental safety, mining practices, and the protection of local communities in Grand Cape Mount County.
Environmental incidents involving waterways are particularly sensitive in Liberia, where rural populations depend heavily on rivers and creeks for fishing, drinking water, and agriculture.
Next Steps
BMMC called on authorities to ensure that all conclusions are guided by objective evidence, due process, and established scientific standards, warning that public confidence depends on the integrity of the investigation.
The company said it will continue engaging stakeholders and provide updates as more verified information becomes available.
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