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.
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