By Domingo Dargbeh
Newly appointed Minister of Mines and Energy, R. MatenokayTingbah, has vowed to work closely with the Central Bank of Liberia and other relevant agencies to strengthen the country’s mineral and energy sectors.
In his remarks at his official taking over ceremony over the weekend Minister Tingbah said the collaboration is crucial to ensuring the effective implementation of the proposed gold reserve program, for which the Ministry of Mines and Energy serves as the lead agency.
Minister Tingbah emphasized that the government’s push to reform and modernize the sector will create employment opportunities, boost local entrepreneurship, and ensure meaningful participation of Liberians in Liberia’s mineral and energy industries.
He disclosed plans to technically equip and enhance the Mining Cadastre Information Management System and improve the Ministry’s online repository to ensure greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
The Minister also announced that specialized training programs will be provided for geologists, mining engineers, hydrologists, GIS and ICT technicians, mining agents, and mine surveyors. According to him, these efforts will help strengthen professional expertise and promote excellence across the sector.
“We will develop and update operational guidelines and manuals to reduce discretion, eliminate perceptions of misconduct, ensure accountability, and modernize the mineral and energy sectors,” he added.
As part of broader strategies to expand access to reliable and affordable energy, Minister Tingbah said the Ministry will work closely with key institutions, including the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA), Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA), National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC), Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), as well as private sector actors and development partners.
He noted that these collaborations will help build stronger regulatory systems, promote renewable energy solutions, support sustainable growth, enhance national energy security, and diversify Liberia’s energy sources.