Mines Minister Unveils Sector Transformation Agenda-Investment Drive Anchors Mining Reforms

MONROVIA – Liberia’s mineral and energy sectors are entering what officials describe as a decisive reform and expansion phase, marked by aggressive investor engagement, regulatory modernization, and infrastructure consolidation. From global investment forums in Cape Town and India to legislative amendments strengthening the iron ore corridor, the Ministry of Mines and Energy is signaling a pivot toward value addition, institutional decentralization, and sovereign participation in extractive ventures. With record revenues, new production agreements, and renewable energy projects underway, the Government argues that Liberia is transitioning from raw extraction toward structured, value-driven growth anchored in transparency, compliance, and national economic inclusion. THE ANALYST reports.

Liberia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, R. Matenokay Tingban, has outlined an ambitious reform and expansion agenda for the country’s mineral and energy sectors, highlighting international investment engagements, regulatory modernization, anti-illicit mining enforcement, and major infrastructure milestones.

Speaking Tuesday during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Minister Tingban began by commending the platform for promoting transparency and informing citizens about government activities aimed at improving livelihoods and delivering tangible development nationwide.

The Minister disclosed that he recently returned from the 2026 Mining Indaba Conference in Cape Town, South Africa — Africa’s premier mining investment forum — and from India, where Liberia pursued strategic partnerships to attract investment into the mining and energy sectors.

At Mining Indaba, Liberia presented its geological potential and emphasized political stability, positioning the country as an investor-ready destination. Tingban noted that discussions held in Cape Town remain active, expressing optimism about future outcomes.

He also informed the global mining community about the signing of a Production Sharing Agreement with TotalEnergies for offshore oil blocks, describing it as a milestone reinforcing Liberia’s commitment to mutually beneficial partnerships.

Value Addition and National Mining Company Proposal

Minister Tingban stressed that value addition remains central to the Government’s strategy. During engagements in India, Liberia discussed the potential construction of a domestic gold refinery — a project he described as long overdue.

“We must transition from exporting raw minerals to processing within our borders,” the Minister emphasized, arguing that in-country refining would significantly increase national benefits.

He further revealed that a formal proposal has been submitted to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for the establishment of a National Mining Company. The entity, once legislated, would manage Liberia’s equity participation in mineral production, coordinate geological research, and strategically participate in mining operations.

Combating Illicit Mining

Addressing illicit mining, Tingban issued a stern warning to operators engaged in illegal activities, particularly those deploying excavators and dredges without authorization.

He stated that the Ministry will exercise its authority to seize equipment used in illicit mining and confirmed collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and national security institutions to pursue violators. Whistleblower incentives are being strengthened, alongside tighter reporting requirements for mineral rights holders to improve traceability and revenue maximization.

Liberia is also preparing to host a delegation from the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, reinforcing efforts to safeguard the integrity of the diamond supply chain.

Sector Performance and Licensing

According to the Minister, Liberia currently holds:

• 9 Mineral Development Agreements
• 9 Class A Mining Licenses
• 105 Exploration Licenses
• 57 Prospecting Licenses
• 25 Dealer/Exporter Licenses
• 86 Class B Mining Licenses
• 110 Broker Licenses
• 1,222 Class C Mining Licenses

In 2025, the mining sector generated approximately US$182 million, exceeding the projected US$144 million.

Major industry developments include record exports by ArcelorMittal Liberia, which shipped approximately 10 million tons of iron ore in 2025. The Minister also confirmed the resumption of operations by China Union and ongoing projects by Bao Chico Resources.

Gold shipments surpassed 362,000 troy ounces, silver exports reached 11,000 kilograms, and artisanal diamond exports totaled 35,817 carats valued at approximately US$7.9 million.

ArcelorMittal Amendment and Rail Reform

Minister Tingban announced the final passage of the Third Amendment to the ArcelorMittal Mineral Development Agreement and ratification of the Rail Standard Operating Procedures (RSOP).

He described the amendment as securing a projected US$3.5 billion investment through 2050, including a US$200 million immediate payment to Government. Iron ore exports are projected to rise from 5 million tons to 20 million tons annually by 2026, with a long-term roadmap targeting 30 million tons.

The railway corridor stretching from Yekepa to the Port of Buchanan has been formally designated the “Buchanan–Yekepa Economic Development Zone.” Under the RSOP framework, rail operations will transition to an independent operator in 2030 while Government retains ownership.

Energy Sector Reforms

In the energy sector, Tingban highlighted progress toward achieving national access goals under the AAID framework. Achievements include:

• Launch of the Compact Delivery and Monitoring Unit
• Review of the 2015 Electricity Law
• Adoption process for the National Energy Policy
• Development of a Net Metering Policy
• Rollout of prepaid metering in government ministries
• Launch of Liberia’s first Energy Information System

Liberia has also launched its first competitive solar auction in partnership with the World Bank, identifying sites in Grand Bassa County and Nimba County.

Several Independent Power Producer projects have been approved, including solar, hydro, heavy fuel oil, and combined-cycle gas initiatives aimed at strengthening energy security and renewable integration.

Decentralization and Infrastructure

The Ministry has recruited and trained 30 geoscientists and mining engineers with support from India to serve across Liberia’s 15 counties. New facilities for the Liberian Hydrological Service and the Liberian Geological Service are also underway.

Conclusion

Minister Tingban concluded that Liberia’s extractive transformation is anchored in reform, modernization, enforcement, and national participation.

“Liberia is no longer merely a place where minerals are extracted,” he declared. “We are building infrastructure and value chains to ensure that our resources work for every Liberian.”

He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to combating illicit mining, strengthening oversight, increasing national revenue, expanding responsible production, and ensuring value addition through reliable and accessible energy supply.