MONROVIA, March 5 -- The Environmental Protection Agency has ordered a mining company to pay a combined US$15,998 for operating without an environmental permit, and a restoration plan for its mines.

By James Harding Giahyue, with The DayLight

Quezp Mining Companyran two mines in Brewerville and Royesvillefor nearly two years without the permit, the EPA said in a report following a preliminary investigation.

The investigation followed a DayLight publication, which showed Quezp had no license for a pair of zircon sand mines in the Montserrado communities.

The publication revealed the Brewerville mine had a plant where zircon sand was transported from Royesville with the involvement of residents.

The plant processed the zircon sand-a mi...