Liberia Mining Reforms Face Inclusion Test As Local Miners Cry Marginalization

By Amos Harris

The Government of Liberia’s ambitious plans to reform the mining sector, establish a domestic gold refinery, and create a National Minerals and Mining Company are facing questions over the participation of local mining stakeholders, particularly grassroots miners who depend on the sector for their livelihoods.

Although the government has outlined several measures aimed at increasing revenue, promoting local processing, and strengthening the management of mineral resources, concerns raised by local gold miners suggest that the proposed reforms could face an important challenge if those directly involved in the industry are not adequately represented.

Speaking on October 28, 2026, at the Second International Mining and Energy Conference and Exhibition held at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County, Mines and Energy Minister R. Matenokay Tingban emphasized the need for Liberia to move beyond exporting raw minerals and prioritize domestic processing, value addition, and sustainable economic development.

Minister Tingban argued that the success of Liberia’s mining industry should not be measured solely by the quantity of minerals extracted and exported, but by the jobs created, industries established, local businesses empowered, and improvements in the living conditions of ordinary citizens.

The conference, held under the theme “Transforming Liberia’s Economy: Driving Development Through Sustainable Mining and Energy Investments,” brought together government officials, international guests, investors, development partners, technical experts, and representatives of mining communities.

During his address, Minister Tingban called for responsible investments, transparent licensing procedures, predictable legal frameworks, fair fiscal arrangements, and stronger environmental protection. He also stressed that mining companies must respect community rights while creating meaningful opportunities for Liberian workers and businesses.

As part of the proposed reforms, the minister disclosed that the government is advancing plans to establish a domestic gold refinery intended to increase local value addition, strengthen oversight of the gold trade, improve mineral traceability, and boost government revenue.

According to him, the government intends to attract technically qualified and financially credible investors through a transparent process to establish a commercially viable refinery that meets international standards for responsible sourcing, assaying, refining, and certification. However, the minister acknowledged that the project’s success would depend on reliable electricity, environmental safeguards, and effective anti-money-laundering controls.

Tingban also announced plans to establish the National Minerals and Mining Company of Liberia, which would serve as a strategic vehicle for government participation in mineral exploration, mining, processing, and value addition through partnerships with qualified local and international investors, subject to the necessary legal and institutional approvals.

He maintained that the proposed company would operate under professional management, transparent financial reporting, and sound corporate governance, with a clear separation between its commercial operations and the regulatory responsibilities of the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

Meanwhile, the government plans to launch an Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Formalization Initiative to bring informal miners into the legal mining system while improving their working conditions, access to financing, and opportunities to participate in legitimate mineral markets.

The minister acknowledged that artisanal and small-scale mining supports thousands of Liberian households, but noted that many operators continue to work outside formal structures, leaving them vulnerable to unsafe working conditions, environmental risks, and limited access to financing and legal recognition.

The initiative is expected to promote accessible licensing and registration, the formation of mining cooperatives, occupational safety training, improved geological information, access to appropriate equipment, and integration into mineral traceability systems, with particular attention to women, young people, and mining-dependent communities.

However, while the government is presenting the formalization initiative as a major step toward improving the mining sector, questions remain about whether grassroots miners will have sufficient influence in shaping the policies intended to regulate their activities.

On critical minerals, Tingban emphasized the need for Liberia to strengthen its geological information before entering into major investment negotiations, stressing the principle, “No data, no deal.” He also highlighted regional cooperation through the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, particularly in geological research, technology transfer, financing, skills development, and local mineral processing.

The minister further identified reliable and affordable electricity as a major requirement for industrial transformation, calling for increased investments in power generation, transmission, and distribution, including hydropower, solar energy, energy storage systems, and mini-grids.

Despite the government’s ambitious announcements, local gold miner and broker Victor Gary has criticized what he described as inadequate representation of grassroots mining stakeholders at the conference, raising concerns about the inclusiveness of the government’s reform agenda.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event, Gary alleged that many local miners were excluded from the conference, arguing that representatives of mining communities and stakeholders from all 15 counties should have been adequately represented.

He maintained that gold miners across Liberia should have been given opportunities to present their experiences, operational challenges, and recommendations on policies that directly affect their businesses and livelihoods.

According to Gary, the limited participation of grassroots miners contradicts the government’s stated commitment to developing an inclusive mining sector, particularly when authorities are simultaneously introducing a formalization initiative intended to bring informal miners into the mainstream economy.

He argued that local miners should not merely be discussed at high-level conferences but must be actively involved in developing policies, investment decisions, and regulatory frameworks that directly affect their operations and communities.

Gary’s criticism raises broader questions about whether Liberia’s mining reforms will prioritize the interests of ordinary Liberians or primarily create opportunities for government institutions and major investors while grassroots operators remain on the margins.

As the government moves toward establishing a gold refinery, creating a national minerals company, and formalizing artisanal mining operations, the real test will be whether these proposals translate into measurable benefits for local miners, mining communities, and the wider population.

Ultimately, Liberia’s mining sector cannot achieve meaningful transformation through policy announcements and international investment commitments alone. Without transparency, broad stakeholder participation, effective oversight, and concrete opportunities for local miners, the government’s reform agenda risks falling short of its promise to ensure that the country’s mineral wealth benefits ordinary Liberians.

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