Liberia has replaced its mining minister and the head of its state mining regulator, the office of President Joseph Boakai announced, as the West African nation pursues discussions with Washington on investments in its critical minerals sector.
R. Matenokay Tingban, who previously served as deputy mining minister under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has been appointed to replace Wilmot J.M. Paye as mining minister, Reuters reported.
According to Boakai’s office, the change is part of broader efforts to improve governance and efficiency, though the statement did not provide further details. A subsequent announcement on Tuesday named a new head for the state mining regulator.
See Also:
Elon Musk’s DOGE Cancels $17M Tax Advisory Project In Liberia
These leadership changes coincide with Liberia’s push to attract foreign investment into its mining industry, which has recently identified deposits of lithium, cobalt, manganese, and rare earth elements, minerals essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti in Washington on October 17 to discuss expanding U.S. involvement in Liberia’s mining sector, the State Department said.
Tingban will now oversee a ministry central to Liberia’s strategy to boost investor confidence under Boakai’s “ARREST Agenda,” a five-year national development plan.
Boakai has also appointed new deputies for the mines and education ministries, with some appointments pending Senate confirmation.
Iron ore remains Liberia’s leading mineral export, with ArcelorMittal (MT.LU) operating its largest mine and rail network.
Gold has recently emerged as an important source of foreign exchange. Other active players in Liberia’s minerals sector include Ivanhoe (IVN.TO), Bea Mountain (Avesoro), MNG Gold, and Hummingbird Resources.
See Also:
Liberia Agrees To Accept Migrant Kilmar Abrego After Wrongful U.S. Deportation
Image Credit: Eloquent Touch Solutions LTD
