Liberia’s Minister of Mines and Energy-designate, Matenokay Tingban, has pledged to transform the country’s mining and energy sectors through a robust and transparent approach if confirmed by the Liberian Senate. Addressing members of the Senate Committee on Lands, Mines, Energy, Natural Resources and Environment during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, November 13, 2025, Mr. Tingban outlined a vision centered on efficiency, accountability, and inclusive growth. The Minister-designate acknowledged the complexities that have long characterized Liberia’s mining industry, admitting that there are no quick fixes to the numerous challenges facing the sector.
However, he expressed strong determination to confront these issues head-on through strategic planning, sector coordination, and adherence to international best practices. “I acknowledge that the sector faces significant challenges and is highly complex. While I don’t claim to have immediate solutions to every issue or problem, if confirmed, my team and I will approach these challenges with unwavering commitment and a results-driven focus,” Tingban stated. “We will prioritize Liberia’s national interest and engage stakeholders and mining agencies to implement sound policies that promote sustainable development.”
Providing an overview of the Ministry’s responsibilities, Tingban explained that the Ministry of Mines and Energy serves as the custodian of the nation’s mineral wealth and a central institution in driving Liberia’s national development agenda. Beyond regulating the use of natural resources, he emphasized, the Ministry plays a vital role in ensuring that Liberia’s mineral and energy sectors contribute significantly to national revenue, job creation, community empowerment, and economic stability. According to him, if confirmed, his administration will focus on leveraging Liberia’s mineral and energy potential to maximize national revenue and ensure equitable distribution of benefits. He pledged to create a conducive environment for responsible foreign direct investment, promote transparency in the licensing process, and ensure that communities directly affected by mining operations benefit meaningfully from the country’s natural resources.
Tingban’s proposed strategy, he said, would rest on three key pillars efficiency, transparency, and inclusive growth. Each pillar, he explained, is designed to address the sector’s immediate challenges while laying the foundation for long-term, sustainable development. He underscored the importance of tackling issues such as illicit mining, limited value addition, weak regulatory enforcement, and inadequate community participation. “Liberia’s mineral resources, including gold, diamond, and other critical minerals, hold tremendous potential for national growth. However, persistent challenges such as illegal mining and poor community engagement continue to hinder progress.
Our goal is to harness these resources responsibly and ensure that ordinary Liberians benefit from the country’s mineral wealth,” Tingban concluded. During the public hearing, Mr. Tingban and his two deputies presented their vision, conducted a sectoral analysis, and responded to questions from senators regarding their policy priorities. Lawmakers pressed the nominees on issues of governance, transparency, environmental management, and community relations key areas that have historically drawn public concern within the mining and energy industries.
The confirmation hearing formed part of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s broader effort to appoint competent and reform-minded individuals to lead Liberia’s key economic sectors. If confirmed, Matenokay Tingban will be tasked with steering one of the country’s most vital ministries, ensuring that Liberia’s vast mineral and energy resources are managed for the benefit of all Liberians.
Author: Zac T. Sherman
