Integrity Watch Liberia's Executive Director Harold Marvin Aidoo has urged the Liberian government to exercise caution in developing the country's emerging critical-mineral sector. Aidoo warned that without proper verification of the country's mineral wealth, the opportunity could become another resource curse. He made the call in a policy commentary titled "Liberia Must Not Miss the Critical Minerals Moment," released on Thursday.
Aidoo noted that growing global demand for minerals used in batteries, electric vehicles, and renewable-energy technologies presents Liberia with another opportunity to turn its natural resources into long-term economic gains. However, he cautioned that the government must establish the country's actual mineral potential, strengthen oversight, and negotiate investment agreements with enforceable benefits for Liberians.
Aidoo recommended that the government publish the non-confidential findings of a China-supported mineral survey and commission an independent geological verification before making major commitments to potential investors. The survey reportedly identified indications of lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, rare-earth elements, and other strategically important minerals. However, Aidoo cautioned against treating mineral indications as proof of commercially viable reserves.
Aidoo pointed to Liberia's experience with iron ore as a cautionary lesson. Commercial iron-ore production began in Bomi Hills in 1951, generating exports and government revenue but having limited connections to the wider Liberian economy. Aidoo warned that the global transition toward cleaner energy could reproduce that pattern if Liberia becomes primarily a supplier of raw materials for green technologies manufactured elsewhere.
Aidoo emphasized that growing competition among major economies for critical minerals could give Liberia greater bargaining power, provided the country approaches potential investors from a position of knowledge and strategic planning. He cited China's strong position in mineral processing and efforts by the United States and its partners to diversify their supply chains.
Aidoo identified geological knowledge and institutional capacity as immediate priorities, calling for publication of the non-confidential findings of the mineral survey and independent verification of the country's mineral potential. He also urged the government to build institutions capable of interpreting geological data and independently assessing proposals from mining companies.
Aidoo called for mineral licensing to be conducted transparently and competitively, with the beneficial ownership of companies seeking mining rights disclosed. He also urged the government to make mining contracts publicly accessible and provide lawmakers responsible for ratifying agreements with independent technical advice.
Key points
- Verify mineral wealth before signing major deals to avoid repeating Liberia's history of exporting valuable resources while mining communities remain poor.
- Publish non-confidential findings of China-supported mineral survey and commission independent geological verification.
- Ensure transparent and competitive mineral licensing with disclosed beneficial ownership of companies seeking mining rights.
