Grand Cape Mount County District #3 Representative Sonnie Feika has accused Bea Mountain Mining Corporation of neglecting communities affected by its mining operations, citing alleged damage to homes, health concerns and limited employment opportunities for residents.

Feika raised the concerns before the Plenary of the House of Representatives, calling for legislative intervention to address what he described as the difficult conditions facing residents in communities near the company's mining activities.

Speaking to journalists after her communication to Plenary, the lawmaker alleged that repeated blasting by the company has caused cracks in residential buildings, leaving families worried about the safety of their homes.

“I am speaking on behalf of my district. The people are affected greatly. Bea Mountain doesn't care to know whether people exist there,” Feika said.

She claimed that residents, particularly elderly people, are left with few alternatives as they continue to experience the effects of the company's operations.

“Day in and day out, they are blasting,”  she said, adding that he personally feels the impact whenever she visits the affected communities.

Feika also accused the company of failing to provide meaningful employment opportunities for young people in the area, saying many have become disappointed and no longer expect to benefit from its operations.

The representative further alleged that previous efforts by local lawmakers to engage the company on behalf of affected residents have not received the attention they deserve. She claimed that company representatives have indicated that they would deal with the Executive Branch rather than engage directly with lawmakers.

The lawmaker said the situation requires stronger legislative oversight to ensure that the concerns of affected communities are addressed.

On reports of possible pollution of the Bafa River, which journalists said could affect 35 communities, Feika said the matter had not formally been brought before him. However,  she acknowledged that any contamination of the river could affect residents in his district.

Feika said  she brought the matter before the House Plenary because addressing the concerns of affected communities requires collective action from lawmakers.

She expressed satisfaction with the concerns raised by her colleagues and said he would continue engaging the Speaker of the House to ensure the matter receives attention.

“We will continue talking to the Speaker so he will pay attention, so the Plenary will be able to look after the people,” she said.

The allegations raise questions about the impact of mining operations on nearby communities, including the safety of residential structures, environmental protection, local employment and the responsibility of mining companies toward affected residents.