Top: Excavators on a mine in Kiliwu Town in Zorzor District, Lofa County. The DayLight/Samuel Jabba
By Varney Kamara
UNIFICATION TOWN, Margibi – President Joseph Boakai has called on investors to respect the laws and regulations governing Liberia’s mining sector.
“Liberia seeks clear rules, fair administration, and predictable procedures. Operators must obey the law, pay required fees and taxes, meet environmental obligations, and respect workers and host communities,” said President Boakai. He made the remarks at the Liberia International Mining and Energy Conference (LIMEC 2026), where he delivered a keynote address.
“Mineral resources are finite, and we must ensure they generate lasting returns for Liberians. Our Government is strengthening mineral-rights administration, licensing, oversight, and accountability,” the President added.
LIMEC 2026 is a two-day high-level mining conference meant to showcase the country’s mineral potential and attract companies to invest in its mining industry. Its overall goal is to transform the Liberian economy through sustainable mining investments.
Organized by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Liberia Chamber of Mines, and AME Trade, a UK-based event organizer, the meeting brought together more than 250 delegates from across the world. It opened at Unification Town, Margibi, on Wednesday and ended on Thursday.
To reflect mining investments and expand the economy, President Boakai also called for a review of the country’s minerals and mining law and regulations.
Liberia’s Minerals and Mining Law, the oldest in the Mano River basin, has failed to bridge regulatory gaps, resulting in illegal mining, costing the government billions. This has triggered the need for reform, with the Law Reform Commission and campaigners currently spearheading a comprehensive reform of the sector.
“We will review mining-related regulations to reflect investment practices, environmental standards and Liberia’s development objectives,” Boakai said as the audience cheered.
Mining dominates Liberia’s economy. It is the single highest contributor to the nation’s economic growth. Last year, Liberia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5.1 percent from 4.0 percent in 2024, according to the World Bank. This year’s GDP is projected at 5.5 percent, largely due to ongoing mining expansion and infrastructure, according to the IMF.
Earlier, Minister of Mines and Energy Matenokay Tingban invited qualified investors and partners to engage and support established processes that are best suited to Liberia’s production realities and regional market opportunities.
“Our priorities are responsible exploration, transparent licensing, protection of national skilled development, and local participation,” said Minister Tingban. “Our aim is a credible, commercially-grounded system that strengthens the formal gold sector and delivers measurable national benefits.”
Liberia’s mining sector is closely linked to illicit financial flows. A 2024 report by SwissAid, which tracks mineral exports from across Africa, found that five tons—equivalent to US$646.1 million worth of gold—are being smuggled out of the country each year.
The government has issued 13,149 licenses since the Ministry of Mines and Energy began keeping records online. However, the industry has been plagued by environmental degradation.
The environmental toll of mining is severe. Communities affected by mining have faced widespread pollution of water sources and environmental destruction, said Forest Trends, a US-based NGO, in a March report. It found that communities are not receiving benefits, while forests are being cleared and their livelihoods disrupted.
Company representatives at the conference agreed to abide by the country’s laws and regulations governing the sector.
“I agree with what the President said. Our company is fully compliant, and we are abiding by the Decent Work Act. We are respecting all the laws and all the rules. We can even do better in the future,” said Frederic van Haute, an executive of Westcrest Liberia Limited. The company has presented a proposal for an iron ore concession with Liberia for the Gibi Range, Margibi County.
Amara Kamara—not related to this reporter—head of the Chamber of Mines, said the country must go beyond compliance to creating opportunities for its local population.
“Responsible mining must remain non-negotiable. The industry must demonstrate responsible resource development,” said Kamara.
“We need investment with technical experience to address development challenges. Above all, we must ensure that mining contributes to economic development,” said Kamara.
The conference closed with delegates agreeing to establish a framework for future partnerships, artisanal miner integration, and renewable energy targets, aiming for 75 percent renewable energy.
