By O’Neill A.R. Philips
The Minister of Mines and Energy, has formally proposed to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the establishment of a National Mining Company.
- Matenokay Tingban, told the Ministry of Information regular press conference on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, that the proposal is currently before the President for reviewing.
Mr. Tingban said, once the company is established through legislation, it will manage equity shares in mineral production.
He said, the company will coordinate national geological research, and participate strategically in mining operation.
“The initiative would significantly increase Liberia’s direct benefit from its mineral resources,” Tingban assured.
He has meanwhile, frowned on illicit mining and mineral smuggling, which he said, remain serious challenges, particularly within the artisanal and small-to-medium scale sector.
“Illegal operators often using excavators and dredges, continue to exploit and smuggle mineral resources without legal authorization.”
Mr. Tingban spoke of how government has put all owners of excavators and dredges, engaged in illegal mining activities on notice to remove their equipment immediately from illicit sites.
“We are collaborating with the Ministry of Transport and national security institutions to pursue both operators and equipment owners. Offenders will face the full weight of the law.”