House Moves to Ensure Resource Governance in Mining, Land Sectors

The Representatives of Liberia has ordered a nationwide technical review in the mining and land sectors to ensure that operational activities have fair benefit to the country.

The exercise, scheduled to run from March 1 to June 30, 2026, will be executed by the Committee on Lands, Mines, Energy, Natural Resources and Environment, under its statutory oversight authority as outlined in the House Rules and Procedures.

The decision was reached during plenary on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, following a formal request from Committee Chairman Jeremiah G. Sokan, who sought approval for a nationwide assessment of operations within Liberia’s critical natural resource sectors.

In his communication, Sokan stressed the urgency of the exercise, stating, “Liberia stands at a critical juncture where increasing global demand for transition minerals and rare earth elements requires stronger transparency, environmental stewardship, and measurable benefits for our people.”

He warned that without decisive action, the country risks losing control of its resources, adding, “We must ensure that the exploitation of our natural wealth does not come at the expense of our environment, our communities, and our future.”

The Committee also pointed to mounting public concerns, noting that “land disputes, environmental degradation, unsustainable resource management, and the alleged smuggling of precious minerals like gold continue to undermine national development efforts.”

According to the approved plan, the review will involve “rigorous hearings, detailed examination of technical reports, and on-site inspections of production facilities and operational sites across the country.”

The Committee emphasized that “operators across Class A, B, and C categories will be assessed for compliance with national laws and international best practices,” ensuring no segment of the sector escapes scrutiny.

Outlining the roadmap, the Committee stated, “The first month will focus on data collection and audit processes, the second on field inspections and community engagement, and the final phase will host public hearings leading to actionable recommendations.”

Lawmakers say the initiative reflects a firm commitment to accountability, declaring, “This exercise is about safeguarding Liberia’s resources, protecting the environment, and ensuring that the benefits of our natural wealth reach every Liberian.”