MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Liberia has positioned itself as one of West Africa’s most promising mining frontiers following a high-level presentation by Minister R. Matenokay Tingban at the 2026 Mining Indaba.
During exclusive partnership meetings and media engagements, Minister Tingban described Liberia as an underexplored mineral destination with vast untapped investment opportunities.
He recalled the country’s long history of producing iron ore, gold, and diamonds, but stressed that Liberia’s geological wealth extends far beyond these traditional minerals.
According to Minister Tingban, nearly 80 percent of Liberia’s landmass remains unexplored, creating major prospects for discoveries and long-term investment.
He said,” The government is committed to creating a favorable environment where investors and the country can benefit mutually from mineral development”.
The Liberian government has announced plans to strengthen geological research and mineral mapping to improve its negotiating position with investors.
According to Mines and Energy Minister Matenokay Tingban, Liberia lacks sufficient modern geoscientific data, limiting its ability to negotiate effectively in the past.
Minister Tingban said,” Recent studies, including international and Chinese-backed research, have confirmed deposits of lithium, rare earth elements, and other strategic minerals”.
He noted that those discoveries place Liberia in the global supply chain for critical minerals, adding that detailed exploration is now underway nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Mines and Energy boss emphasized that reliable data will help the country attract credible investors and ensure that mining agreements deliver long-term national benefits.
At the same time, the Liberian government has reassured international investors of its commitment to transparency, openness, and balanced partnerships.
Minister Tingban said,” Investors are allowed to repatriate 100 percent of their profits, while the National Investment Commission continues to facilitate incentives and investment procedures”.
He stressed that Liberia welcomes foreign capital but insists on partnerships that improve education, employment, and technology transfer.
The minister also acknowledged the contribution of the Liberia Chamber of Mines, led by Amara Kamara, in supporting the country’s participation at the Indaba.
He concluded that Liberia remains open for business, not just as a source of raw materials, but as a strategic partner focused on equity, energy security, and sustainable development.
In another development, Liberia is seeking to transition from a royalty-based mining system to direct equity participation in mineral ventures, according to Minister Tingban.
He disclosed that a proposal to establish a National Mining Company is currently before President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., for Cabinet endorsement.
The minister said,” The move will allow Liberia to hold ownership stakes in mining projects rather than relying solely on royalty payments”.
Tingban also revealed that TotalEnergies recently signed a production-sharing agreement with Liberia for offshore oil blocks.
He further highlighted the importance of energy development, stressing that industrial growth and value addition depend on a reliable electricity supply.