MONROVIA – June 17, 2026 – The Minister of Mines and Energy has announced a series of policy measures aimed at strengthening compliance with the Minerals and Mining Laws of the Country, safeguarding the environment, improving service delivery, and enhancing accountability within the mineral sector.

Addressing employees of the Ministry during a general staff meeting, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Minister R. Matenokay Tingban put a pre-condition to the renewal of mining licenses moving forward. The Minister declared that the renewal of mining licenses will now be contingent upon miners carrying out proper land reclamation at their mining sites (covering up large pits/holes dug during their mining process).

The measure, Minister Tingban stressed, is intended to ensure that mining operations are conducted in accordance with provisions of the mining and environmental laws to ensure that degraded lands are restored to their previous state to allow for agricultural activities to take place.

The Minister also issued a stern warning to Mining Agents across the country, emphasizing that any agent whose mining district records persistent violations of the Minerals and Mining Law, particularly the use of unauthorized heavy machinery and the use of the dangerous and insoluble chemical – Mercury, will face decisive administrative actions. The Minister told his staff meeting that in this regard, example has been set on a Mining Agent from Rivercess who has been recalled for investigation.

In furtherance of the Ministry’s reform agenda, Minister Tingban said he is working out modalities to expand the mandate of the Customer Service Section of the Ministry to improve public engagement, strengthen responsiveness, and enhance the efficiency of services provided to stakeholders in the mining sector.

Addressing internal operations, the Minister made a strong appeal to all staff members to avoid unnecessary delays and administrative bottlenecks in the processing and delivery of mining licenses, especially Class ‘C’ (Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining) licenses, which serve as a critical source of livelihood for many Liberians. He stressed the importance of professionalism, efficiency, and timely service delivery in advancing the Ministry’s mandate.

The Minister also used the occasion to commend the Ministry’s Senior Management Team for its commitment to the Government’s agenda of empowering and motivating civil servants. He thanked his Senior Management colleagues for the efforts they applied in securing meaningful salary top-ups for employees and introducing additional staff welfare benefits aimed at boosting motivation and encouraging productivity.

The pronouncements made when Minister Tingban and Team met with the Mines and Energy employees underscore the Ministry’s continued commitment to promoting responsible mining practices, strengthening institutional efficiency and accountability, improving customer service, and encouraging a motivated workforce.

Minister Tingban wants the MME staff to remain on track with working better for the Liberian people and the good of the Country as the Mining Sector accounts for a significant portion of revenue generation in support of the national budget. The June 17 general staff meeting of the Mines and Energy was marked by power-point presentations detailing and providing a vivid picture of the administrative and operational activities of the Ministry.

MINISTRY OF MINES AND ENERGY PUBLIC RELATIONS
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