Liberia Targets $3B Revenue from Mining and Energy Sectors

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Strategic Plan Aims to Transform Liberia's Mining and Energy Sector

The Government of Liberia has unveiled a comprehensive Five-Year Strategic Plan for the mining and energy sector, aiming to generate over US$3 billion in revenue by 2029. This initiative, developed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), is designed to modernize the sector and position it as a key driver of national economic growth. The plan was officially launched at a high-level ceremony attended by senior government officials, members of the National Legislature, development partners, and representatives from Liberia’s extractive industries.

The strategic document outlines a series of reforms intended to strengthen governance, expand domestic revenue, improve transparency, and ensure that natural resources benefit citizens. Minister of Mines and Energy, R. Matenokay Tingban, emphasized the importance of implementation, stating that while planning is essential, effective execution will determine the success of the sector. He highlighted the need for Liberia to move beyond relying solely on royalties and instead pursue equity participation in extractive ventures.

Tingban also stressed the importance of building national capacity to explore, research, and develop credible geological data. He noted that enhanced data generation and institutional capacity will be central to transitioning from royalty collection to equity participation. This shift, he argued, will allow Liberia to maximize returns from its natural resources.

Liberia Revenue Authority Commissioner General, Dorbor Jallah, described the mining and energy sector as strategically vital to the country’s fiscal sustainability. He emphasized that every dollar invested in this sector returns significantly to the government, and achieving revenue growth will depend on efficient licensing systems, sound policy frameworks, and reliable production data. Jallah commended the MME for developing a clear and forward-looking roadmap and reaffirmed the LRA’s commitment to closer collaboration with the Ministry through data sharing, digital integration, and coordinated oversight.

Jeremiah G. Sokan, Chair of the House Committee on Mines, Energy and Natural Resources, described the plan as pragmatic and measurable. However, he warned that illegal and unregulated mining continues to threaten national revenue and deprive communities of benefits, particularly in border and resource-rich counties. Sokan called for stronger regulation, improved inter-agency coordination, and greater community participation to curb illegal mining and ensure sustainable resource management.

Key Reform Areas Under the Strategy

The MME outlined several priority reform areas under the strategy, including the decentralization of mining and energy services across all 15 counties, modernization of outdated mining and energy laws, formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining, and the upgrading of geological and hydrological data systems.

As part of the decentralization drive, the Ministry has already opened its first county office in Bentol, with plans to establish fully functional offices nationwide. To support this initiative, 30 mining engineers and geologists have been recruited to serve as county mining officers and resident geologists, ensuring technical coverage across the country. The first group of newly recruited professionals is expected to travel to India in early 2026 for Health, Safety, and Inspection training.

In addition to renting office spaces, the Ministry plans to construct five Ministry-owned facilities in five counties by 2029. On the legal front, the Ministry is reviewing a Mining Law that is more than 25 years old, as well as mineral policies that date back over 15 years. The revised Mining Law has already been submitted to the Office of the President, while more than six mining regulations have been finalized and are currently operational.

Modernization of geological and hydrological data also features prominently in the strategy. Much of Liberia's existing data dates back to 1972, prompting the Ministry to engage bilateral and multilateral partners, including China, the United States Geological Survey, and the French Government, with the aim of comprehensively updating national geoscientific information by 2029.

Formalization of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining

Formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining is another major focus. At present, only about 500 miners are licensed nationwide. The Ministry aims to increase that number to at least 1,000 licensed miners by 2029 and establish 15 artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives. This effort will be supported by an estimated US$1.34 million investment from the African Development Bank.

Institutional strengthening and accountability also form a core part of the plan. The Ministry intends to digitize at least 80 percent of its operations by 2029, up from the current level of approximately 40 percent. An online licensing system developed in partnership with the LRA has already been rolled out, allowing for online applications and payments, including through mobile money.

Inter-agency collaboration has been strengthened with institutions such as the LRA, Environmental Protection Agency, Forestry Development Authority, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to enhance data sharing, monitoring, and oversight, with the goal of improving governance and preventing revenue loss.

Future Vision and Budget

Minister Tingban further highlighted the need for greater national participation in the mining industry. Although Liberia holds equity in some concessions, no institution currently exists to manage those equity interests. The Ministry plans to establish a dedicated entity to manage government equity holdings, safeguard dividends, and promote job creation for Liberians.

The total budget required to implement the Five-Year Strategic Plan is estimated at US$39.5 million. While modest compared to the sector's revenue potential, the Ministry believes the investment is strategic enough to deliver early gains and allow for gradual scaling. Aligned with the Government's ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's vision of "Think Liberia, Love Liberia, and Build Liberia," the rollout of the strategy has generated optimism that Liberia's mining and energy sector can finally fulfill its promise as a driver of sustainable national development.