Liberia: Govt Pledges Stronger Mining Oversight, Eyes Greater Revenue and Local Processing

What the report says

Liberia’s government says it plans to tighten oversight of the mining sector, crack down on illegal operations and expand local mineral processing so more value stays in the country. The message was delivered at the fourth Government Town Hall Meeting, held on Oct. 9 in Tubmanburg, Bomi County, where officials met residents to discuss mining, revenue collection, environmental protection and community benefits.

According to the report from The New Republic Liberia, Mines and Energy Minister R. Matenokay Tingban said the country’s mineral wealth should help create jobs, attract investment and support development, but only if resources are managed more effectively. He argued that raw exports alone do not deliver enough benefit and pointed to the need for stronger local value addition. The article also said Tingban cited mining revenue figures for 2023 and 2024 to show the sector’s importance to public finances, while stressing that employment, local business growth and environmental safeguards also matter.

Liberia Revenue Authority Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah, as reported, said mining had contributed a significant share of domestic revenue collected so far. Acting Information Minister Johnny encouraged transparency and asked officials to explain how mining proceeds are being turned into visible improvements such as roads, schools, health care and jobs.

The meeting also addressed illegal mining, equipment seizures, foreign involvement in suspected violations and license compliance. Officials said investigations were continuing and warned that operators who do not meet legal requirements could face penalties or non-renewal. More broadly, the government said it is exploring ways to build local processing capacity, including for minerals such as gold and lead.