President Boakai Revokes Bio-Chico Mining Permit Amid Environmental Outcry

In a dramatic move signaling a new era of environmental accountability, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has immediately revoked the operating permit of BIO-CHICO, a Hong Kong-based mining company operating in Gbarpolu County.

The decision was disclosed by Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah during a MICAT press briefing on Thursday, and follows a series of public complaints from residents across multiple counties, including District 17 in Montserrado, Bomi, and Gbarpolu.

According to Minister Piah, President Boakai’s action came after an inter-ministerial meeting involving key government agencies, including the Ministries of Justice, Mines & Energy, Public Works, Transport, State, and Information. The meeting reviewed evidence and citizen grievances related to BIO-CHICO’s operations.

“President Boakai has taken this decision in the interest of public safety, environmental protection, and community welfare. The government cannot remain indifferent while citizens continue to suffer from unsafe practices and unchecked corporate behavior,” Piah said.

BIO-CHICO Resource Liberia Limited had been granted a license to explore, produce, and export iron ore in the region. But locals have accused the company of running heavy-duty trucks through community roads, causing fatal accidents, air pollution, dust hazards, and environmental degradation.

In recent months, protests have erupted in several affected areas, with citizens demanding government intervention. The situation intensified when a series of road accidents allegedly involving BIO-CHICO trucks led to injuries and damage to local property.

The government says the revocation is immediate and enforceable, with orders reportedly issued to security agencies and the Ministry of Mines and Energy to ensure compliance.

Environmental advocates and civil society groups have hailed the decision as “a victory for accountability”, warning other concessionaires to adhere strictly to environmental and community impact standards.

“BIO-CHICO’s operation has been reckless. This action by the President sends a clear message that no company, local or foreign, is above the law,” said one environmental watchdog group.

The company has yet to issue an official response, but sources within the Ministry of Mines say it may seek legal redress or request renegotiation of terms under a stricter regulatory framework.

Meanwhile, the Boakai administration has pledged to review all existing concessions, especially in the extractive industries, to ensure they meet modern environmental and social standards.

As of press time, it is unclear how the revocation will affect workers and local contractors employed by BIO-CHICO, but the government says it is committed to minimizing disruptions and will engage stakeholders on a transitional plan for affected communities.

This bold stance by President Boakai is already drawing praise on social media, with many hailing it as the kind of “people-first governance” they voted for.