-Senators Seek New Agreement with Bea Mountain

 Amidst controversy regarding the operations of Bea Mountain Mining Corporation, senators of Grand Cape Mount County are calling for a revisit of the minerals development agreement with the Company operating in the County.

There have been intense community protests by Grand Cape Mount County citizens and residents demanding the removal of management and the renegotiation of its mineral development agreement.

The citizens have alleged violations of the agreement, including unfilled promises for job opportunities for locals and better healthcare.

The call for a thorough review of the Company’s mining and development agreement signed with the Liberian Government was initiated by Grand Cape Mount County Senator, Darbah M. Varpilah, backed by fellow Senator, Simeon Taylor.

Senator Varpilar has already sent a formal a formal communication dated April 15, 2026, to Senate Pro-Tempore, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence.

Both Senators have argued that the current agreement has failed to reflect the economic realities of 2026 and does not maximize national benefits from one of Liberia’s most valuable natural resources.

Grand Cape Mount County is where Liberia has its primary industrial gold deposit.

The Cape Mount senators are demanding a renegotiation of the country’s mineral development agreement with Company, but what remains unclear is whether or not the initial agreement the BMMC signed with the Government has expired.

Observers says the stance being taken by the Cape Mount Senators has put significant pressure on the Boakai’s administration from two fronts as global gold prices have surged toward $4,200 per ounce.

Senator Varpilah is contending that the flat 3 percent royalty rate being paid by Bea Mountain is both inadequate and inequitable in the current market.

She argued that regional competitors, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire, have adopted sliding-scale royalties reaching as high as 11%, whereas Liberia’s rate has remained stagnant.

In her communication, Varpilah stated that the Country’s share remains linear, while Corporation takes nearly all surplus rents.

She proposed the implementation of a progressive royalty regime that adjusts alongside market prices to ensure that Liberia captures a fair share of windfall profits.

The Cape Mount female Senator is also questioning the terms of the 2023 First Amendment to the BMMC agreement, which she said extends the concession by 25 years without securing a signature bonus.

She contrasted that with the amended agreement with ArcelorMittal, which included a $200 million upfront payment, arguing that the Liberian government failed to extract comparable value from its primary industrial gold producer.

Senator Varpilah additionally criticized the limited contributions BMMC has made to its host communities, highlighting the notable absence of hospitals, schools, and scholarship opportunities for youth in areas directly affected by mining operations.

This matter has since been referred to the Senate committees on Lands, Mines and Natural Resources; Ways, Means, Finance and Budget; and Judiciary for a comprehensive technical review.

Her Grand Cape Mount colleague, Senator Simeon B. Taylor,  has joined the effort, pressing the government to begin renegotiating the concession two years ahead of its scheduled 2028 review.

Senator Taylor argued that waiting for the formal review window would unnecessarily stall urgent reforms for the communities hosting the mining operations.

He emphasized that early and deliberate engagement is necessary to ensure that the concerns, expectations, and aspirations of the local people are adequately reflected in any future arrangements.

Taylor is specifically demanding the construction of a modern, well-equipped hospital within the concession area, a necessity he framed as long overdue, considering the scale of operations in the county.

He also projected that host communities could receive direct dividend payments amounting to millions of dollars by the end of 2026, though he cautioned that such benefits are contingent upon what he calls operational stability.

Taylor said greater stability and productivity in operations will lead to greater potential returns for the people.

Taylor has meanwhile urged residents of Grand Cape Mount to channel their grievances through peaceful and lawful means, warning against any actions that could jeopardize the ongoing negotiations.