The Ministry of Mines and Energy in Liberia has taken a significant step towards increasing transparency and accountability in the country's mining sector. On November 12, 2026, the Ministry conducted a one-day training and certification exercise for certified geologists and mining engineering consultancy firms. The training, which was held at the Ministry's central office in Monrovia, aimed to enhance the understanding of licensing requirements, application procedures, and regulatory compliance among professionals and stakeholders in the sector.
The training is part of the Ministry's efforts to transition from paper-based to online acquisition of research and mining licenses and permits. The online application system, which was introduced this year, has been fully functional since its launch. Deputy Minister for Operations William S. Hines emphasized the importance of the training, stating that it would help build the capacity of sector consultancy firms. He encouraged participants to attach patriotism to their services and to refuse working with companies that lack proper documentation.
The training covered various topics, including licensing application requirements, reporting procedures, and the Ministry's online application and payment systems. Technical presentations were made by professional geologists and mining engineers of the Ministry, including the Assistant Director of the Liberia Geological Survey, Medecy Hessou. Hessou outlined the documentation required for prospecting and mineral exploration licenses, including proof of citizenship, notarized documents, and evidence of financial capacity.
The participants were also briefed on the requirements and application procedures for groundwater exploration and borehole drilling operation permits. Other presentations covered application requirements for mining, trading, and related licenses and permits. The Liberia Revenue Authority and the Ministry's Mining Cadastre Administration System also made presentations on their respective roles in the licensing process.
The participants appreciated the Ministry for organizing the training and providing them with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the sector's regulatory processes. One participant, Siafa Mariy, requested that the presenters make their lecture notes available to facilitate further review and reference. The participant's request highlights the risk of fraudulent practices in the sector and the need for professionals to be equipped with the necessary knowledge to identify and guard against them.
The Ministry's efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in the mining sector have been commended by stakeholders. The Supervisor of the Customer Service Office of the Ministry, Leona M. Moore, commended the participants for showing up and exhibiting interest in advancing their knowledge of processes and procedures. She encouraged participants and Ministry officials to sustain their cooperation and apply the knowledge acquired to improve service delivery and promote efficiency.
The certification exercise is expected to promote fairness, transparency, and professionalism in the administration of Liberia's mining sector. The Ministry's Deputy Minister for Operations, William S. Hines, emphasized that the success of the training would depend largely on participants' ability to apply the knowledge acquired in carrying out their professional responsibilities. The Ministry announced no sanctions for consultants who break the rules, but encouraged them to serve as compliance partners in supporting the Ministry's regulatory responsibilities.
Key points
- The Ministry of Mines and Energy in Liberia has certified geologists and mining engineering consultancy firms on its online licensing system.
- The training aimed to promote transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the mining sector.
- The Ministry encourages consultants to serve as compliance partners and to refuse working with companies that lack proper documentation.
