“No Data, No Deal”

By Lewis S. Teh

MONROVIA, October 30, 2026: Liberia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, R. Matenokay Tingban, has declared a new approach to mineral resource development, insisting that the government must obtain reliable geological data before negotiating mining agreements with investors.

“No data, no deal,” Minister Tingban declared Wednesday, October 28, at the opening of the Liberia International Mining and Energy Conference and Expo (LIMEC 2026) in Harbel, Margibi County.

He disclosed that approximately 80 percent of Liberia remains geologically unexplored despite earlier surveys conducted through U.S.-Liberian cooperation in the 1970s.

According to him, the government is prioritizing geological surveys and scientific data collection to strengthen negotiations, attract credible investors and ensure that mineral development benefits the country.

“Reliable geological information reduces uncertainty, guides exploration and improves decisions by government and investors. It also strengthens negotiations that protect Liberia’s interests and affected communities,” Tingban said.

Outlining major reforms, the Minister announced plans to establish a domestic gold refinery, a National Mining Company and an Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Formalization Initiative.

He said the proposed gold refinery would increase domestic mineral processing, improve transparency in gold trading, strengthen revenue collection and create skilled employment opportunities.

“A domestic refinery will retain more value in Liberia, provide strengthened oversight of gold trade, improve traceability and revenue collections, create skilled jobs and provide licensed miners, brokers and dealers with credible local markets,” he explained.

Tingban said the government is seeking technically qualified and financially credible investors capable of meeting international standards for responsible sourcing, refining and certification.

He emphasized that the facility would require reliable electricity, environmental safeguards, anti-money laundering controls and transparent supply chains.

On the proposed National Mining Company of Liberia, the Minister said the institution would promote responsible state participation in exploration, mining and mineral processing through partnerships with qualified local and international investors, subject to the necessary approvals.

He stressed that the company must operate under professional management, transparent financial reporting and strong corporate governance, with its commercial activities separated from the Ministry’s regulatory responsibilities to prevent conflicts of interest.

Meanwhile, Tingban announced the launch of an initiative to formalize artisanal and small-scale mining operations, providing miners with improved access to licensing, training, equipment, financing and legitimate markets.

He said the programme would prioritize occupational safety, environmental protection and economic opportunities for women, young people and mining-dependent communities.

“Artisanal miners must be seen not as people to regulate, but as citizens who need safer working conditions, skills, opportunity and legitimate markets,” he said.

The Minister also disclosed that Liberia intends to strengthen cooperation with the African Minerals Strategy Group to advance critical mineral exploration, technology transfer, regional value chains and responsible investment.

He identified reliable and affordable electricity as essential to expanding mineral processing and industrial development, inviting investment in hydropower, solar energy, storage systems and electricity distribution.

Tingban urged investors and development partners attending LIMEC 2026 to move beyond discussions and pursue concrete projects with clear responsibilities and implementation timelines.

“Successes of LIMEC 2026 should not be measured by the number of speeches or announcements made, but by the quality of partnerships established, investments advanced, jobs and skills created, responsible projects delivered and tangible improvements in the lives of Liberians,” he concluded.

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