MONROVIA, LIBERIA-President Joseph Boakai has constituted a Special Presidential Committee to review and recommend a final resolution to long-standing issues surrounding the Buchanan tailings stockpile in Grand Bassa County.

The tailings, estimated at 11.6 million metric tons, represent a significant national asset with substantial economic potential.

However, its development has been stalled for more than two decades, due to licensing disputes, unresolved legal claims, and prolonged inactivity by previous rights holders.

The Committee is chaired by the National Security Advisor to the President, with the Mines and Energy Ministry serving as Vice Chair.

Members of the Committee include the National Bureau of Concessions, the Legal Advisor to the President, and the National Investment Commission.

An Executive Mansion release said the Committee is mandated to conduct a comprehensive examination of all historic agreements, commercial interests, legal proceedings, and state-level engagements associated with the tailings.

Meanwhile, the Committee is expected to assess the current commercial value of the stockpile, outline the legal status of existing claims, and recommend s clear roadmap for transparent and sustainable development of the resource.

An Executive Mansion release said particular attention will be given to reviewing the origin and transfer of the tailings, after LAMCO’s departure, assessing licensing arrangements since 2013.

The Committee will also evaluate disputes, identify qualified operators capable of undertaking safe and compliant extraction, and ensure equitable benefits for the people of Grand Bassa County.

The release noted that the move reflects President Joseph Boakai’s commitment to protecting national assets, strengthening national governance in the natural resources sector, and ensuring that communities benefit from the responsible and transparent management of Liberia’s mineral wealth.

The Committee will provide its findings and recommendations to the President within the timeframe established in its terms of reference.