GRAND CAPE MOUNT COUNTY, LIBERIA – Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC), a Turkish-owned concession firm operating in Grand Cape Mount and Rivercess counties, is facing mounting criticism from Liberian communities over alleged land encroachment, environmental degradation, and labor displacement. Recent investigations and local protests have highlighted what residents describe as a consistent disregard for community rights and legal obligations.
The Liberia Land Authority (LLA) released an investigative survey report indicting BMMC for illegally encroaching on 11.5 acres of land owned by the people of Ngojah Town in Grand Cape Mount County. Earlier this month, lawyers representing the community filed a writ of prohibition at the Supreme Court of Liberia, accusing the company of operating on the land without the consent of its rightful owners. The Supreme Court has forwarded the matter to a full bench for hearing.
According to the LLA report, BMMC’s operations have destroyed cash crops, polluted water sources, and damaged cultural and traditional shrines on the disputed land. Residents claim the company used heavy earth-moving equipment during a nighttime operation, wiping out years of cultivation, including ground peas, yams, cassava, pepper, and potatoes. “Years of planting went in vain due to a one-night operation by BMMC,” said Momo Galafaley, a local farmer.
Earlier this year, residents sought intervention from the Ministry of Justice after explosives used for gold and diamond mining caused structural damage to homes and other buildings. When the Ministry failed to act, community members hired lawyers to halt the company’s operations. The residents assert that they hold formal land deeds covering over 1,500 acres and accuse BMMC of dumping hazardous waste, further threatening local health and livelihoods.
The controversy extends to Rivercess County, where villagers from Solo and Gbargbo blocked the main access road to BMMC’s exploration site, demanding that the company rehabilitate the over 20-kilometer route. The protest, which began on September 16, 2025, paralyzed traffic along the stretch connecting the company’s ITI camp to the communities. Villagers say repeated appeals to repair the road have been ignored, and that mining activities have polluted drinking water and destroyed crops without compensation or hand pump provisions.
Global Logistics Mining, a BMMC subsidiary, signed a two-year exploration deal with six Bearwor Administrative District communities to search for gold. Yet residents insist the company has failed to honor key commitments, including infrastructure maintenance and environmental safeguards, and say these concerns must be addressed before mining continues.
Adding to local unrest, credible sources revealed that BMMC imported hundreds of foreign security dogs to manage site security, reportedly displacing 60% of human security staff. While the company’s media consultant, Alphonso Toweh, confirmed the arrival of the dogs, he dismissed claims that humans would be replaced, stating that the animals were intended for home security services. Nevertheless, community members expressed alarm over potential job losses and growing tensions with the company.
The convergence of these issues paints a troubling picture of corporate operations at Bea Mountain. Communities allege that their rights, livelihoods, and environment have been compromised by aggressive mining practices, unfulfilled promises, and opaque management strategies.
Attempts by journalists to engage BMMC authorities for clarification on land encroachment and environmental concerns have been largely unsuccessful, further fueling public frustration and suspicion.
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