Monrovia, Liberia – His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has constituted a Special Presidential Committee to review and recommend a final resolution to long-standing issues surrounding the Buchanan tailings stockpile in Grand Bassa County.
The tailings, estimated at eleven point six million 11.6) metric tons represent a significant national asset with substantial economic potential. However, its development has been stalled for more than two decades due to licensing disputes, unresolved legal claims, and prolonged inactivity by previous rights holders.
The composition of the Committee is as follows:
1. National Security Advisor to the President (Chairman)
2. Ministry of Mines & Energy, Vice Chair
3. National Bureau of Concessions (Member)
4. Legal Advisor to the President (Member)
5. National Investment Commission (Member)
The Committee is mandated to conduct a comprehensive examination of all historical agreements, commercial interests, legal proceedings, and state-level engagements associated with the tailings. It will also assess the current commercial value of the stockpile, outline the legal status of existing claims, and recommend a clear roadmap for transparent and sustainable development of the resource.
Particular attention will be given to:
• reviewing the origin and transfer of the tailings after LAMCO’s departure
• assessing licensing arrangements since 2013
• evaluating disputes
• identifying qualified operators capable of undertaking safe and compliant extraction, and
• ensuring equitable benefits for the people of Grand Bassa County
This initiative reflects President Boakai’s commitment to protecting national assets, strengthening governance in the natural resources sector, and ensuring that communities benefit from the responsible and transparent management of Liberia’s mineral wealth.
The Committee will provide its findings and recommendations to the President within the timeframe established in its terms of reference.
The Government of Liberia remains committed to ensuring accountability, promoting economic opportunity, and restoring confidence in the management of national resources.
