Liberia plans to incorporate mining equity into the revised code

¬ According to Minister of Mines Matenokay Tingban, Liberia plans to finalize the revised mining code within three months

¬ The government plans to allow a national mining company to hold 10%-15% of the project's shares, with a long-term goal of 25%

¬ EITI data shows that mineral exports accounted for 85% of the country's $1.35 billion extractive industry revenue in 2023

Liberia plans to accelerate the revision of its Mining Law in 2026. According to Reuters, Minister of Mines Matenokay Tingban stated on Monday, February 16, 2026, that authorities expect to announce new regulations within three months. Like countries such as Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal, Liberia is pushing forward similar reforms.

Specifically, the Liberian government will reform the mining licensing system and establish a framework allowing state-owned mining companies to participate. Authorities plan to keep the state's participation ratio between 10% and 15%, with a long-term goal of increasing it to 25%.

However, the current mining law enacted in 2000 already allows the state to hold up to 15% equity in mining projects. The minister said that the new regulations will maintain the current royalty rates for iron ore and gold, which remain Liberia's main mineral resources.

Matenokay Tingban added: "We are moving from a model that solely relies on royalties to a shareholding model to maximize revenue, finance infrastructure, and create jobs."

Target of $3 billion in natural resource revenue annually

In December 2025, the authorities first proposed the revision of mining regulations when announcing a five-year plan aimed at increasing annual revenue from natural resources, including hydrocarbons, to over $3 billion. The plan listed 'strengthening the legal framework for minerals and mining by 2029' as a core pillar.

The minister's latest statement indicates that the government has accelerated the implementation of the reform. Market participants will closely watch how mining operators respond to the proposed changes and how quickly lawmakers advance the reform.

Liberian mining remains the backbone of the country's economy, driven mainly by companies such as ArcelorMittal and Avior Resources. A recent report by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative shows that in 2023, the country's extractive industry generated $1.35 billion in value, with mining exports contributing 85% of this amount.

Source: ecofinagency

Original: toutiao.com/article/1857453724545099/

Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author."