Liberia host roundtable engagement on proposed amendment to mining law
The Liberia Chamber of Mines, in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, recently convened a one-day stakeholder roundtable to discuss proposed amendments to the 2000 Minerals and Mining Law of Liberia.
The event, held at the Mamba Point Hotel in Monrovia, brought together diverse participants, including government officials, mining companies, industry experts, community representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The roundtable was attended by key government officials, including principal and deputy ministers from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and representatives from major mining companies such as ArcelorMittal Liberia, Bea Mountain, and HPX. The diplomatic community and other industry stakeholders were also present.
Proposed amendment
The amendments aim to address gaps in the two-decade-old mining law by integrating international best practices and responding to emerging challenges in the sector. It will focus areas include licensing reforms, environmental protection standards, revenue-sharing mechanisms, and the equitable distribution of community benefits. Artisanal and small-scale mining regulations were also emphasized.
The amendment will also strengthen Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies within the sector was highlighted as a crucial goal. President of the Liberia Chamber of Mines, emphasized the mining sector’s role in Liberia’s economy and advocated for reforms that promote sustainability, equity, and transparency. He urged stakeholders to ensure that the updated legal framework balances economic growth with social equity and environmental responsibility.
Hon. Wilmot J. M. Paye, Minister of Mines and Energy, underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for mining investments while safeguarding community and environmental interests.
Participants offered recommendations for aligning Liberia’s mining policies with global standards. The forum called for measures to streamline licensing processes, enhance community benefits from mining projects, and ensure investor accountability. Revisions to the law would require stricter compliance with environmental and social safeguards, promoting a sustainable and investor-friendly mining environment.
