In an effort to revitalize Liberia’s gold sector,
River Gee County Senator Francis S. Dopoh, has submitted the Gold Sector Reform Act of 2026 to the senate.
Dopoh submitted the Act during the third sitting of the Senate’s Special Session on Capitol Hill.
The bill seeks to amend the Mining and Minerals Law of 2000, focusing on fostering a sustainable and equitable gold mining industry.
While on a radio station recently in Monrovia, Sen. Dopoh outlined the formalization of artisanal and small-scale miners:
The bill aims to legally and safely integrate artisanal and small-scale miners into the formal economy, provides them the necessary framework to operate within the law; value addition to gold for which the reform seeks to enhance local economy by encouraging the processing of gold rather than exporting the raw forms.
The approach would not only retain wealth, but also create jobs in the gold processing sector; increased transparency.
Sen. Dopoh highlighted the need for greater transparency in the gold market.
He said, the bill proposes mechanisms to ensure that the buying, selling and trading of gold are conducted openly, thereby reducing opportunities for corruption and exploitation;
Strengthen state’s role.
The legislation, if passed into law, will bolster government’s involvement in the gold value chain, ensure that the benefits of natural resources are equitably shared among the citizens.
Dopoh spoke of the urgency of the reforms, stating: “The reform is about making sure our gold benefits Liberians first. For too long, our resources have left our soil without creating jobs or real revenue for our people.”
He pledged to advance legislative reforms that would protect national resources, and expand opportunities for every Liberian.
The introduction of the Gold Sector Reform Act of 2026, marks a pivotal moment in efforts to harness the natural wealth for the benefit of its people, potentially setting the stage for economic growth and development in the coming years.