MARGIBI COUNTY, LIBERIA-The Minister of Mines and Energy is challenging investors and industry stakeholders to turn the country’s vast mineral wealth into tangible economic benefits.

Minister Matenokay Tingban called for increased investment, local value addition, and responsible resource development.

Speaking at the Liberia International Mining and Energy Conference on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Minister Tingban highlighted the government’s priorities, including establishing a domestic gold refinery, formalizing artisanal mining, and generating reliable geological data to guide exploration, reduce risks, and strengthen the government’s negotiating position.

He added that the domestic gold refinery could improve traceability, boost revenue collection, create skilled jobs, and ensure that more value from the country’s gold resources remains with Liberia.

At the same time, Minister Tingban also announced an initiative to formalize artisanal and small-scale mining.

He said: “The goal is to improve miners’ safety, expand access to licensing and financing, and connect artisanal mines to legitimate markets”.

Minister Tingban emphasized that women, young people, and mine-dependent communities must be included in efforts to make the sector safer, more transparent, and economically beneficial.

The mines and energy minister further called for responsible development of critical minerals, stronger environmental safeguards, technology transfer, and greater cooperation among African countries.

Minister Matenokay Tingban then stressed that reliable and affordable electricity, including investment in hydropower and solar energy, would be essential to supporting mineral processing, industrial growth, and economic diversification.