HENRY TOWN, Gbarpolu – Bea Mountain Mining Corporation has settled with a community in Gbarpolu over its illegal entry and activities in its forest while exploring for gold. The company made a US$200,000 payment to the community.
In early March 2022, the people of Korninga B accused Bea Mountain of unlawfully entering into its community forest and engaging in activities that resulted in the felling of trees without proper authorization.
Under the Community Rights Law, Korninga filed a US$4.3 million lawsuit against the company at the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Bopolu.
The lawsuit detailed claims of extensive tree felling, construction of passages to mining sites, and improper handling of harvested logs. The community alleged that over 2,800 logs were cut down, with some thrown into valleys and others buried, leading to environmental damage and ecosystem disruption.
The court found the company liable for the claims and asked that it pay US$1,311,401.21 in special damages and US$3 million in general damages. But Bea Mountain denied any wrongdoing and filed for a retrial, which was granted based on alleged jury oversight and inconsistencies in witness testimonies.
The company later withdrew the request as both parties settled.
A resolution signed by both parties on July 28 and endorsed by the Community Assembly, as required by the 2009 Community Rights Law, authorized the chief officer, Aaron Mulbah, to accept a settlement payment from Bea Mountain. In exchange for the payment, the community released Bea Mountain from any further claims, demands, or obligations related to the case.
The community forest chief officer, Aaron Mulbah, signed for the community, while Bea Mountain’s operations manager, Engin Turhan, signed for the company with the endorsement of the parties’ respective lawyers.
A receipt and release document, signed by Korninga B Community Forest and Bea Mountain officials, acknowledged the receipt of US$200,000 through a check dated July 4, 2024.
This payment covers all claims against the company, its affiliates, subsidiaries, and associated entities, effectively closing the legal chapter between the parties.
The settlement between Bea Mountain and the Korninga B Community Forest marks a significant development in the ongoing dialogue surrounding corporate responsibility, environmental protection, and community rights in resource-rich regions.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding legal frameworks and ethical practices in the extractive industry to ensure sustainable development and harmonious relationships between businesses and local communities.
Featured photo by Henry B. Gboluma, Jr.
