Monrovia – The Government of Liberia (GoL), through the Minister of Mines and Energy, R. Matenokay Tingban, has announced plans for the establishment of a National Mineral Company – a major policy shift aimed at increasing the country’s participation in the mining industry and ensuring Liberians receive greater benefits from their natural resources.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Speaking Chamber’s 2026 Annual General Meeting, Fourth Anniversary, and Networking Event in Monrovia last Thursday, on the government’s vision for the extractive sector, Minister Tingban said the proposed state-owned company will move Liberia beyond its long-standing dependence on royalty payments toward direct participation in the country’s mineral wealth.
Plan Endorsed By President Boakai
Minister Tingban revealed that the initiative has received the backing of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. and is expected to redefine how Liberia benefits from its vast mineral resources.
“Since 1847, Liberia has been heavily relying on royalties. We are moving aggressively, with the approval of the President, to establish the National Mineral Company that will graduate us from mere royalty and ensure Liberia receives its fair share from the mineral sector,” asserted the Mines and Energy Minister amid cheers from the audience.
Enhancing Value Addition
He informed the gathering that the creation of the National Mineral Company forms part of the government’s strategy to promote value addition, strengthen national ownership, and position Liberia as a competitive player in Africa’s growing mining industry.
He explained that rather than exporting raw minerals, the government wants to encourage domestic processing and greater participation in the global mineral value chain, particularly as demand for critical minerals continues to increase.
“If you get involved in the value chain, you add value to the resource and, of course, increase national revenue,” Mr. Tingban said.
Companies Must Comply
In furtherance of his remark, the minister stressed that while the government remains committed to attracting foreign investment, mining companies will be expected to comply fully with concession agreements and contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s development.
“We welcome investors, but we have no super investors,” he said. “Every investor, whether large or small, must respect the agreements signed with the Government of Liberia.”
Min. Tingban emphasized that the Ministry of Mines and Energy is working to build an investment climate that guarantees security, fairness, and predictability for investors while ensuring the country’s natural resources improve the lives of Liberians.
“You cannot take all the minerals, all the jobs, and all the money away. The Republic of Liberia must also receive its fair share to improve the lives of its citizens.”
As part of the reforms, the ministry plans to strengthen oversight of concession agreements through regular monitoring and engagement with mining companies and host communities. The government also intends to introduce comprehensive mine closure plans to prevent the environmental degradation and economic hardship experienced in communities after previous mining operations ceased.
The Minister encouraged concessionaires to expand community development initiatives by supporting agriculture, small businesses, and other livelihood programs that can continue benefiting local residents beyond the lifespan of mining projects.
Accordingly, Min. Tingban said the establishment of the National Mineral Company represents a key pillar of the government’s effort to transform the mining sector from a source of royalty payments into a vehicle for long-term economic growth, employment creation, industrial development, and increased national revenue.
Liberia Chamber of Mines Calls for Mining Reforms, Announces Leadership Transition
Speaking earlier at the occasion, the President of the Liberia Chamber of Mines, Mr. Amara Kamara, called for reforms in Liberia’s mining sector while announcing that his current tenure will be his last as head of the organization.
Mr. Kamara pointed out that Liberia stands at a defining moment in its mining history as global demand for critical minerals continues to rise; however, he said it’s time that country modernizes its Minerals and Mining Law, strengthen regulatory institutions, and establish a transparent, predictable, and competitive legal and fiscal framework capable of attracting long-term investment.
“The global transition toward clean energy has dramatically increased international demand for critical minerals and base metals. This presents an unprecedented opportunity for our country,” Kamara told government officials, lawmakers, diplomats, development partners, mining executives, and other stakeholders.
Proposal For Digitized Regulatory System
Mr. Kamara also proposed the establishment of an integrated digital regulatory system linking key government institutions involved in the mining sector, stating that greater coordination would improve efficiency, enhance transparency, strengthen compliance, and increase domestic revenue generation.
Time To Give Way
Addressing governance within the Chamber, Kamara announced that although he was recently re-elected to serve a second term as president, he will not seek a third term.
“This second term will be my final term as President of the Chamber. I have no intention of seeking a third term,” he declared, adding that strong institutions are built on democratic governance, leadership renewal, and orderly succession.
A Caveat To Concessionaires, GoL
The Chamber President urged concessionaires, host communities, civil society organizations, and the Government of Liberia to uphold contractual obligations and promote responsible mining practices to ensure investor confidence and social stability.
Kamara praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. for issuing Executive Order No. 167 establishing the National Task Force to Combat Illicit Mining Activities, describing illegal mining as one of the sector’s greatest challenges.
He also called for policy clarity regarding implementation of the Land Rights Act, particularly the proposed five percent community participation in mining concessions, stressing that government agencies, concessionaires, and communities should engage in dialogue to develop practical implementation guidelines.
More Engagements
Highlighting the Chamber’s growing international engagement, Kamara noted Liberia’s participation in the Future Minerals Forum in Saudi Arabia, Mining Indaba 2026 in South Africa, and discussions with international partners including the Africa Finance Corporation, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the World Bank, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), and the Kimberley Process.
He further announced that the Liberia Chamber of Mines has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Mines and Energy and AME Trade Ltd. of London to co-host the Liberia International Mining and Energy Conference and Expo 2026. The event is scheduled for October 27–28 at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County and is expected to showcase Liberia’s mineral potential to international investors.
Among other things, the Chamber’s President expressed confidence in the future of Liberia’s mining industry, stressing that sustained progress will require visionary leadership, sound policies, responsible investment, strong institutions, and collaboration among government, industry, and local communities.
