By Jessica Cox
MONROVIA, Liberia— President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has opened a two-day mining and energy conference in Monrovia, with the government seeking to attract approximately US$3 billion in projected investments to expand mineral production, improve electricity access, and accelerate Liberia’s economic transformation.
The conference, which began Wednesday, October 28, and continues Thursday, October 29, 2026, is being held under the theme, “Transforming Liberia’s Economy: Driving Development Through Sustainable Mining and Energy Investment.”
Organized by the Ministry of Mines and Energy in collaboration with London-based AME Trade Limited, the gathering brings together senior government officials, international investors, mining and energy companies, development partners, technical experts, and industry stakeholders from Liberia, Africa, and beyond.
In his opening remarks, President Boakai joined other stakeholders in discussions aimed at unlocking Liberia’s natural resources and creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth through investment in mining, energy, and supporting infrastructure.
According to the information Minister Piah,Liberia is entering a significant new investment cycle, with approximately US$3 billion in projected investments. Iron ore production is also expected to rise to between 25 million and 30 million tons annually, while the country pursues a national target of generating 75 percent of its energy from renewable sources.
Discussions on the opening day focused on expanding iron ore production, strengthening Liberia’s competitiveness in international markets, and identifying investment opportunities in the country’s mining sector.
Participants examined a proposed US$3.5 billion iron ore expansion, alongside opportunities for new investors and the infrastructure needed to support increased production and exports.
The conference also explored the development of critical minerals, with emphasis on geological surveys, resource identification, supply-chain development, regulatory incentives, and fiscal policies needed to attract investment.
Gold and diamond mining featured prominently, including discussions on the Dugbe Gold Project, its path to production, and the financing and investment requirements needed to advance the project.
Stakeholders also addressed artisanal and small-scale mining, the Kimberley Process, responsible diamond trading, and community engagement in mining activities.
In a major development announced during the conference, the Ministry of Mines and Energy disclosed plans to conduct a mineral survey estimated at US$10 million to determine the types, quality, and locations of mineral deposits across Liberia.
The proposed survey is expected to strengthen the country’s geological database, provide more reliable information to prospective investors, and help the government identify new opportunities for mineral exploration and development.
Reliable geological data is considered important for reducing investment risks and enabling investors to make informed decisions about Liberia’s mineral resources.
The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to improve mineral governance, strengthen domestic participation, increase economic returns from natural resources, and enhance the management of geological information.
Energy development is another major focus of the conference, particularly the government’s ambition to achieve 75 percent renewable energy and universal access to electricity.
Participants discussed regional electricity integration through the Côte d’Ivoire-Liberia-Sierra Leone-Guinea (CLSG) interconnection and opportunities to expand cross-border electricity trade through the regional energy market.
The conference also examined hydropower development, including the existing Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant and proposed projects along the St. Paul and St. John rivers.
Utility-scale solar projects, independent power producer programmes, procurement processes, and mini-grid and off-grid electricity solutions were also highlighted as potential ways to extend power to rural and underserved communities.
Discussions further examined Liberia’s national energy compact, including implementation timelines, investment requirements, and the role of private-sector participation in the country’s energy transition.
The conference also placed significant emphasis on railway expansion, port development, road networks, and logistics infrastructure needed to support the growth of the mining industry.
Participants examined the potential impact of cross-border transport corridors on Liberia’s export capacity, as well as opportunities to upgrade ports and improve the movement of minerals from production sites to international markets.
Local-content legislation and compliance requirements also featured in the discussions, with stakeholders examining how Liberian businesses and workers could benefit more directly from major mining and energy investments.
The discussions come amid calls for natural resource investments to generate employment, increase government revenue, strengthen local businesses, and improve infrastructure and public services.
The conference provides a platform for government officials, investors, technical experts, and development partners to examine investment opportunities while addressing challenges associated with financing, infrastructure, regulation, and project implementation.
Its broader objective is to connect Liberia’s mineral wealth and energy potential with investments capable of supporting long-term economic development.
As the conference concludes Thursday, attention is expected to remain on how the proposed investments, energy targets, and mineral exploration plans can be translated into concrete projects that benefit the Liberian people.
While the projected US$3 billion investment pipeline and proposed US$10 million mineral survey present opportunities for the country, their ultimate impact will depend on effective implementation, transparent governance, reliable infrastructure, and the extent to which local communities participate in and benefit from resource development.
Meanwhile, the pronouncement was made on Thursday at the Ministry of Information by Minister Piah at the press Briefing.
