Liberia’s Mining Law Under Scrutiny: Lawmakers Target Illegal Operations, Environmental Damage, and Revenue Leakage
The House of Representatives in Liberia has initiated a comprehensive review of the nation’s Minerals and Mining Law, signalling a concerted effort to address the pervasive challenges posed by illegal mining, environmental degradation, and the erosion of government revenue. This legislative undertaking, driven by calls from lawmakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders, aims to fortify existing legislation and enhance the governance framework for Liberia’s vital mineral resources.
The Joint Committee on Lands, Mines and Energy, Natural Resources, Environment and Judiciary commenced public hearings on proposed amendments to the Minerals and Mining Law on Wednesday. The objective is to solicit diverse stakeholder perspectives before the House deliberates on substantive changes to the legal regime governing the mining sector. Committee Chairman Rep. Jeremiah Garwo Sokan Sr. underscored the urgency of the review, stating that illegal mining and mineral smuggling continue to pose significant threats to government revenue, environmental sustainability, and investor confidence. “We want to hear from every stakeholder before making recommendations to the full House,” Rep. Sokan remarked. “Our mining laws must respond to today’s realities by protecting our natural resources while encouraging responsible investment and sustainable development.”
The initial hearing convened key government bodies, including the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Central Bank of Liberia, the Governance Commission, the Law Reform Commission, and the Liberia Chamber of Mines. Presenting the MME’s position, Minister R. Matenokay Tingban identified illegal mining as a critical national challenge, highlighting its detrimental impact on revenue generation and the environment. Minister Tingban alleged that unauthorized mining operations often benefit from the complicity of local authorities, traditional leaders, and individuals wielding political influence, thereby complicating enforcement efforts.
The escalating use of heavy machinery such as excavators and dredges, alongside mercury in artisanal gold mining, has been identified as a primary driver of accelerated land degradation, river pollution, and ecosystem destruction across Liberia. Minister Tingban urged lawmakers to strengthen the Minerals and Mining Law by introducing more stringent penalties for offenders, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and establishing robust incentives for whistleblowers to report mineral smuggling. He noted that the current Mining Law lacks sufficient prosecutorial power as it is not integrated into the Penal Code, and the Whistleblower Act does not offer adequate inducements for reporting illicit activities. Furthermore, improved inter-agency collaboration was deemed essential for effectively curbing illegal mining and safeguarding the nation’s mineral wealth.
The EPA echoed these concerns, with Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo detailing the severe environmental consequences of unregulated mining. Dr. Yarkpawolo warned that uncontrolled logging and other environmentally destructive practices, coupled with illegal mining, are exacerbating land degradation, polluting water bodies, and threatening biodiversity. An EPA nationwide assessment revealed the increasing misuse of excavators by Class B and Class C mining operators, alongside a rise in reported cyanide usage outside of approved Class A operations. The widespread use of mercury in artisanal gold mining was also flagged for its potential to contaminate water sources, bioaccumulate in fish, and pose serious neurological and health risks to local communities. To bolster environmental monitoring, the EPA announced plans for a national excavator registration and GPS tracking system. Dr. Yarkpawolo stressed that while fines are imposed for environmental violations, they are insufficient to address the damage; “Environmental restoration is the key,” he asserted.
Representing the Liberia Chamber of Mines, President Amara Kamara advocated for a holistic review of the entire Minerals and Mining Law, rather than focusing solely on amendments pertaining to Class B Mining Licenses. The Chamber recommended strengthening provisions related to taxation, licensing procedures, regulatory oversight, environmental protection, transparency, local participation, and the governance of strategic minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth elements. The Chamber cautioned that piecemeal amendments could lead to legal inconsistencies and hinder the broader reforms necessary to attract investment and maximise long-term benefits from Liberia’s mineral endowment.
Additional input was provided by Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs Anthony Myers of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Alaric Togba of the Governance Commission, and Massa Jallabah of the Law Reform Commission. Following extensive deliberations, Rep. Sokan assured stakeholders that all recommendations would undergo thorough review before the Joint Committee submits its report to the full House. The public hearing is slated to reconvene on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, as lawmakers continue their efforts to enhance oversight of the mining sector, combat illegal activities, and promote the sustainable management of Liberia’s natural resources.
