Africa-Press – Liberia. The Ministry of Mines and Energy together with Stakeholders of the mineral and other extractive industrial institutions have launched a Mineral Sector Working Group (MSWG) in the Mining sector to foster coordination and advance strategies for a more sustainable and vibrant mining sector.
Besides coordination and keeping the sector sustainable, the working Group will also provide a non-regulatory but comprehensive guidance, and oversight on cross-cutting issues relating to management of the mineral sector.
The MSWG will focus on enhancing policy and regulatory frameworks, ensuring environmental conservation, and fostering better relations between the government through the Ministry of Mines and Energy and other industry actors.
Speaking at the launch of the Mining Sector Working Group over the weekend, Liberia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Wilmot Paye announced that the Ministry of Mines and Energy has resumed full jurisdiction over the mineral sector.
He said the Ministry of Mines and Energy in Liberia faced severe corruption and ineffectiveness in the past, with its functions being usurped by the Executive Mansion.
However, under the new leadership, Minister Paye says the ministry is reclaiming its authority and implementing reforms.
He announced that the ministry has acquired 30 motorbikes for county sub-offices and a new diamond testing machine to support their work.
Minister Paye mentioned that Key initiatives include resuming full jurisdiction over the mineral sector, sanitizing the licensing regime, and decentralizing operations with new sub-offices in all counties under his watch.
He said the ministry has also acquired new equipment, vehicles, and improved infrastructure.
“Additionally, it aims to promote transparency, achieve revenue targets, and ensure balanced development among investors, communities, and the government,” he said.
The President’s vision is for a sustainable mineral sector that benefits all stakeholders. Minister Paye mentioned.
With the formulation of the working group, Minister Paye says the Secretariat will plan and coordinate the activities of the Mineral Sector Working Group with a mandate to facilitate a constructive dialogue within the Mineral Sector.
The MSWG, according to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, will work cohesively with all sector members to promote partnership among various government institutions, and groups interested in the environment, health, human rights and gender-based issues to support rural livelihood, raise revenue for the Government, improve people’s communities and sustainable mining sector in Liberia.
Mines and Energy Minister, Wilmot Paye, who chairs the newly established working group was instrumental in the formation of the body. Under his leadership, the Ministry organized and coordinated several technical sessions at the Ministry in order to come up with a consensus amongst all sector stakeholders.
Also speaking at the program, the president of the Liberia Chambers of Mines, Amara Kamara in his remarks emphasized the importance of sustainable development and responsible governance of the country’s mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, iron ore, and bauxite.
Amara said the initiative aims to foster dialogue, develop comprehensive strategies, and ensure local communities benefit from resource development.
He however acknowledged stakeholders and calls for policy collaboration, sustainable practices, and investment-friendly regulations.
He also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the government, and the Chamber of Mines for their contributions and urge parliament members to revise the mining law to attract new investors.
“Amend or revise the existing mining law to bring new actors on board and make Liberia an investment-friendly destination,” he said.
He calls for the support of the Ministry of Mines and Energy team in the reform process, including license review, mining law review, and upgrading the ministry. He acknowledged various stakeholders, including government representatives, industrial leaders, non-governmental organizations, and civil society partners, for their collaboration and shared vision for the future of Liberia’s mineral sector.
Amara however outlines the potential of Liberia’s mineral resources, such as gold, diamonds, iron ore, bauxite, and others, to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods.
He also stressed the importance of responsible and transparent development of the mineral sector to ensure that the benefits extend to all Liberians.
The president of the Liberia Chamber of Mines said establishment of the mineral sector working group is aimed to foster dialogue, gather diverse perspectives, and develop comprehensive strategies to address opportunities and challenges in the sector.
Objectives and Strategic Goals
Mr. Kamara listed the objectives of the mineral sector working group, including collaborating on policies and promoting sustainable practices while protecting the environment and communities.
He however emphasized the need to create a conducive atmosphere for local and foreign investment through transparent regulation and fair practices, highlighting the importance of developing necessary skills and expertise within the workforce to ensure that Liberians are at the forefront of the mineral sector’s growth.
He then tressed the need for local communities to be part of the decision-making process to benefit directly from mineral resource development.
Mr. Kamara however expresses optimism about the future of Liberia’s mineral sector, envisioning a framework that is both resource-driven and people-centered, fostering prosperity for future generations.
Appreciation and Call to Action
The president of the Liberia Chambers of Mines extends thanks and appreciation to his own office, the Liberia Chamber of Mines and the hardworking team at the Ministry of Mines and Energy for their efforts in reform, including license review and mining law revision.
He calls for the amendment or revision of the existing mining law to bring new actors on board and make Liberia an investment-friendly destination.
For her part, Mamaka Bility, Liberia’s Minister of State without Portfolio emphasizes the importance of monitoring the mining sector in Liberia, from extraction to export, to ensure accurate reporting and effective use of natural resources.
She advocates for policies that prioritize Liberian ownership and participation in the mining sector, aiming to reverse the trend where the benefits of these resources have not reached the people.
Madam Bility calls for strengthening local content, enhancing capacity, and creating revenue streams for Liberians to actively engage in mining operations.
“This approach is seen as crucial for sustainable development and building a prosperous, inclusive Liberia,”
stressing the need for transparency and inclusivity in the sector, urging investors to carry the people along with them.
She also calls for the Implementation of monitoring and reporting systems to track the mining sector from the pit to the port.
She wants the Ministry develop and prioritize policies and frameworks that ensure greater ownership and participation of Liberians in the mining sector.
Madam Bility calls for Fostering partnerships and creating opportunities that allow Liberians to not only participate but also primarily benefit from the wealth beneath the soil.
“Strengthen local content policies, enhance capacity-building efforts, and create revenue streams for Liberians to invest and play active roles in mining operations,” she said.
Speaking earlier, Wang Jiaxin, Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Monrovia, emphasized the importance of people in Liberia’s mining sector at the launch of the Mining Sector Working Group.
He highlighted the abundant mineral resources and the need for human capital in planning, lawmaking, enforcement, deal-making, supervision, encouragement, and attracting foreign investors.
Wang noted the strong commitment of President Joseph Boakai administration to boost the mining sector for national economic development.
He also mentioned the strategic partnership between China and Liberia, with Chinese investments in the mining sector, aiming to support Liberia’s economic growth.
He pledged that China Embassy will Work with the Ministry of Mines and Energy to produce satisfactory performance and contribute to the development and good of the Liberian government and people.
He highlights the abundant mineral resources in Liberia, such as gold, diamond, and iron ore, but emphasizes that the Liberian people are the country’s greatest asset.
Wang mentioned the recent China-Africa cooperation forum in Beijing, where China and Liberia agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, with Chinese companies making significant investments in the mining sector.
He reiterates China’s commitment to working with the Liberian government to boost the mining sector and the national economy, congratulating the launch of the working group and expressing gratitude for the invitation.
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