Liberia Aims at Mining-Led Growth, AMW Spotlights Her Untapped Mineral Wealth
MONROVIA, Liberia: as Liberia intensifies efforts to transform its vast mineral resources into a major driver of economic growth, the country sets to take center-feature at the African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, where her government officials will seek to attract fresh investment into iron ore, gold and critical minerals projects.
Scheduled for October 14 – 16 in Cape Town, South Africa, the African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature a dedicated Liberia Country Showcase, providing a platform for policymakers, mining companies, technology providers and international financiers to examine emerging opportunities across the country’s extractive sector.
The spotlight is coming at a critical period for Liberia’s economy, as authorities push to diversify revenue sources, expand industrial production and create employment opportunities through responsible resource development. Government officials view the mining sector as a strategic pillar for economic transformation, particularly as global demand rises for iron ore and critical minerals, essential to clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
In focal consideration, Liberia’s mining ambitions is its iron ore industry. The country is positioning itself to become a more significant supplier to international markets, despite the forecasts of a broadening global supply gap, over the coming years. Officials are targeting a substantial increase in production, with output expected to approach 30 million tonnes, annually in 2026.
The government’s commitment to long-term sector growth, was emphasized earlier this year, when it extended ArcelorMittal’s mineral development agreement, for the Tokadeh Mine, through 2050. The attempt is widely seen as an effort to provide regulatory certainty for investors, while supporting infrastructure expansion, local content development and increased production capacity.
However, the presumption over the industry dictates that Liberia’s mineral story extends farther than iron ore. According to her government estimates, nearly 80 percent of the country’s geology remains unexplored, presenting significant opportunities for new discoveries across critical minerals, base metals and precious metals. This vast unexplored potential, has prompted authorities to accelerate geological mapping and exploration campaigns, aimed at generating reliable data for investors. Officials believe that improved geological information could reduce investment risks and unlock previously overlooked mineral deposits, particularly in rural regions where mining projects could stimulate local economic activity.
Speaking earlier this year, Mines and Energy Minister Matenokay Tingban highlighted the government’s focus on expanding exploration activities for lithium and other strategic minerals, reflecting a bigger effort to position Liberia within global supply chains, supporting energy transition technologies.
Gold development is also gaining momentum. Recent corporate activities, including Mansa Resources’ acquisition of Pasofino Gold and ongoing exploration work by Zodiac Gold, has strengthened investors’ interest in Liberia’s gold sector. The developments are expected to contribute to the government’s objective of increasing industrial-scale mining operations, while boosting exports and government revenues.
Expectations surrounding mining investments, surpasses production figures in its spread, for many communities across Liberia. Local stakeholders also, are continuing their emphatic crusade on the need for infrastructure development, job creation, skills transfer and environmental stewardship, to ensure that resource extraction delivers tangible benefits, at the grassroots level. Government authorities have also repeatedly stressed that attracting investment must be accompanied by stronger governance, transparent regulation and sustainable development practices. These priorities are expected to feature prominently, during discussions at African Mining Week.
With the country targeting approximately $4.8 billion in combined oil and mining revenues in 2026, Liberia is increasingly looking to its extractive industries, as a catalyst for larger economic advancement. The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference, is therefore expected to serve as an investment promotion platform, an opportunity for the government to demonstrate their ongoing regulatory reforms and its commitment to building a competitive, investor-friendly mining sector.
Thus, as global investors search for new resource frontiers, Liberia’s message at the forthcoming African Mining Week, will be a clear statement that the country is seeking partnerships capable of unlocking its mineral wealth, while supporting long-term economic development and prosperity for its citizens.
SOURCE: Energy Capital & Power
