MINES AND ENERGY MINISTER TINGBAN CALLS FOR INVESTMENT IN LIBERIA’S MINERAL AND ENERGY POTENTIAL
NEW YORK, USA — SEPTEMBER 22, 2026: The Minister of Mines and Energy, Hon. R. Matenokay Tingban, has called for increased private-sector investment in Liberia’s mineral and energy sectors.
Speaking in New York – United States of America, Minister Tingban emphasized the need for reliable geological data, infrastructure, and practical partnerships to transform Liberia’s natural resource potential into tangible economic opportunities for its people.
Minister Tingban made the statement during a fireside interview at the University Club in New York, led by Ms. Jacqueline Adams, author and former CBS News correspondent. The engagement was part of a friendly government-led engagement designed to showcase Liberia’s progress, mineral potential, and investment opportunities across the mining, energy, and other productive sectors. Adams has more than two decades of experience as a CBS News correspondent and has also worked as a communications strategist.
The fireside conversation was followed by questions and answers with prominent U.S.-based investors, business leaders, and other stakeholders interested in exploring investment opportunities in Liberia, particularly in the country’s mineral resources and related industries.
During the discussion, Hon. Tingban emphasized that Liberia is seeking to move from prolonged discussions to practical action that can deliver measurable benefits to ordinary Liberians. “We want to graduate from theory to practicality,” Minister Tingban said, stressing that Liberia must take practical steps to unlock its natural resources, attract investment, create jobs, expand infrastructure, and strengthen the national economy.
According to him, Liberia has significant mineral potential beyond its traditional iron ore, gold, and diamond resources. He noted that recent geochemical work has identified indications of additional mineral resources, including minerals with potential strategic importance. However, he stressed that detailed geological studies are required to determine the location, quantity, quality, and commercial viability of these resources.
Minister Tingban asserted: “No data, no deal,” the Minister emphasized, explaining that reliable geoscientific data is essential for Liberia to make informed decisions and negotiate mineral development agreements from a position of knowledge.
He said the Government’s immediate priority is therefore to generate comprehensive geological data using modern technology. According to the Minister, this will help Liberia identify its mineral resources more accurately, reduce investment risks, attract serious investors, and ensure that the country receives appropriate value from its natural resources.
He said, “once we generate the data, we know exactly what to discuss when we get to the table, adding that reliable information will also help the Government determine what resources should be developed and the conditions under which they should be developed.
The Minister further explained that mineral development must be supported by adequate infrastructure, particularly roads, railways, ports, and other transportation systems linking mines to markets. He described this as an integrated approach in which mineral production, transportation, ports, and international markets must work together to support investment and economic growth.
Turning to the energy sector, Hon. Tingban highlighted Liberia’s significant potential for solar and hydropower development.
He stressed that reliable, accessible, and affordable electricity is critical to industrialization, mineral processing, value addition, and broader economic development.
The Minister pointed to ongoing and proposed renewable energy and hydropower initiatives as opportunities for private investment, noting that Liberia’s current electricity generation capacity remains below the country’s potential demand.
He also emphasized the importance of value addition to Liberia’s natural resources, noting that the country cannot fully benefit from its mineral wealth without reliable and affordable energy to support processing and other downstream activities. “We need value addition, and how do we sustain value addition without stable, affordable and accessible power?” Minister Tingban asked, underscoring the close relationship between the country’s mining and energy sectors.
Hon. Tingban also encouraged investors to view Liberia as a country with significant opportunities in mineral exploration, energy, infrastructure, and related industries. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to engaging investors and facilitating discussions that can lead to practical and long-term investment partnerships.
The Minister said he hopes engagements such as the University Club fireside discussion will lead to concrete investment interest and increased investor participation in Liberia. He stressed: “We are inviting investment into Liberia,” emphasizing the Government’s commitment to creating the conditions necessary for responsible investment and sustainable resource development.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy remains committed to advancing responsible mineral development, expanding access to reliable energy, generating quality geological data, attracting investment, and ensuring that Liberia’s natural resources contribute to infrastructure development, job creation, economic growth, and improved livelihoods for Liberians.
MINISTRY OF MINES AND ENERGY-LIBERIA PUBLIC RELATIONS
For additional informational about the Ministry, visit our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573832151952
PR Unit Contact: +231770902967